ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Nigerian troops in engaged in the Operation Lafiya Dole against the Boko Haram terrorists have averted what could have been a devastating suicide bombing at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Mongonu, Borno State.
The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, in a statement on Monday, said that three female Boko Haram suicide bombers, at 6:15am on Monday attempted to attack innocent IDPs fetching water at a borehole located about 3 kilometres, outskirt of Monguno town along Marte road.
“Our vigilant troops detected and gunned them down, killing both instantly,” Usman said.
Unfortunately, he added, the explosive they were strapped with exploded and injured two civilians nearby.
The Army spokesman stated that the injured persons have been evacuated and are receiving medical attention at the 8 Task Force Division’s medical facility.
He however, noted that the third suicide bomber that followed a different route, detonated some distance before troops deployment along the same road at about 7.10am.
He said that the troops have cordoned off the general area and imposed restriction of movement into Monguno while they the general area and make it safe.
In a related development, Usman said that the troops of 118 Task Force Battalion, 8 Task Force Division had in the early hours of Monday, sprang a surprised ambush on some elements of Boko Haram terrorists along Gerere Junction, Kukawa Local Government Area, on the northern part of Borno State.
He said: “The Boko Haram terrorists were suspected to be fleeing from the advancing troops of 119 Task Force Battalion presently mopping the general area of Kangarwa in Kukawa Local Government Area.
“During the operation, the troops killed four Boko Haram terrorists carrying logistics items.“
Usman said that the troops recovered 48 Jerry cans containing 1,440 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) Automatic Gasoline Oil (AGO), eight Motorcycles out of which two were destroyed, 21 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, an unprimed Improvised Explosive Device and a 36 Henagar Hand Grenade, as well as assorted drugs.
However, he said, one of the military vehicle and communication equipment were badly damaged from gun shots by the terrorists.
The DAPR stressed that the troops have continued to intensify vigilance and high level of alertness following concerted efforts of clearing the remnants of the terrorists.
