BEVERLY HILLS, July 19, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria army says its troops have neutralised four suicide bombers in Borno state and intercepted 37 people suspected to be wives and children of Boko Haram militants after they escaped from the insurgents’ custody.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sani Usman, army spokesman, said troops were able to neutralise one suicide bomber at Dala village on Tuesday; one at Cimari on Monday, and two at Mammanti on Sunday.
Usman, said 30 escapees, comprising eight women and 22 children were intercepted on Tuesday at Gujba local government area of Yobe while the other seven persons that included women and children were intercepted on Tuesday at Kamuya in Yobe.
“Troops” of 251 battalion, 7 division Nigerian army on Operation Lafiya Dole deployed at Dala village on Tuesday 18th July 2017 at about 10.00pm intercepted a suspected suicide bomber who attempted to cross through their forward defences,” he said.
“Upon several challenges and warning shots the suspect refused to halt. The suspect who still continued to approach towards the troops’ location was immediately neutralised.
“The Borno State Emergency Management Agency and the International Committee of the Red Cross have since been contacted to evacuate the suspect remains.
“It will be recalled that three days ago, on Sunday 16th July 2017, our troops deployed at Mammanti, also averted another catastrophe when they intercepted and neutralised two female Boko Haram terrorist suicide bombers who tried to infiltrate and attack the village through troops’ parapet at about 10.15pm. Similarly, the troops of 251 battalion also intercepted another female Boko Haram terrorist suicide bomber on Monday 17th July 2017 at about 1.49am between Cimari and No Man’s Land.
“These great efforts of the troops helped to save valuable lives and property. The public is please requested to continue to volunteer information to the military and other security agencies to help pre-empt suicide bombings and other atrocities by the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists.”
Speaking about the escapees, Usman said the suspects claimed to have escaped from Boko Haram terrorists’ custody at Kafa and Abagajiri villages in Damboa local government area of Borno while the second set claimed that they escaped from Boko Haram terrorists’ hideout at Goropcha village, Damboa local government area of Borno.
“Both sets of escapees are currently being screened and profiled,” he stated.
