Nigerian troops yesterday aborted a Boko Haram suicide mission by destroying three vehicles laden with IEDs meant for suicide bombings, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, disclosed last night. He said that the troops also destroyed a Boko Haram bomb-making factory and medical facility, among other achievements.

A statement issued in Abuja by the Army Spokesman said: “Today, troops of 7 Division Garrison, 112 Battalion and Army Headquarters Strike Group, recorded tremendous success in a clearance operations against Boko Haram terrorists at Kotokuma, Dikwa Local Government Area.

“The troops cleared the terrorists camp which was equipped with medical facility, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) factory, fuel dump, mechanical workshop, generators and several water points.

“The gallant troops also destroyed 3 vehicles laden with IEDs meant for suicide bombings somewhere and killed 37 Boko Haram terrorists.

“The troops also recovered 12 vehicles, 27 motorcycles, 9 AK-47 rifles, 2 Fabrique Nationale rifles, fabricated rocket bomb and a Sniper rifle. Other items recovered include 4 Dane Guns, solar panels and other household items. In addition to that, they also rescued 20 persons held hostage by the terrorists.

“Unfortunately, 2 of our soldiers sustained gunshot wounds. The wounded soldiers have been evacuated to 7 Division Hospital where they are receiving medical care.

“We wish to state here that buoyed with this unprecedented success, the troops morale is very high.

“We would like to assure the public that the troops would continue to do their best to clear all the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they may be to successfully bring to an end the menace of the terrorists.”

•Photo shows a Nigerian soldier examining a suspicious object in a deserted Boko Haram compound.

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