Troops of 7 Division Garrison based in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, in conjunction with men of the Civilian JTF on Friday morning averted yet another suicide attack by suspected Boko Haram agents.

“The troops intercepted 2 female suicide bombers at about 1:20 this morning, almost 100 metres south of Umurari village, outskirts of Maiduguri. However, one of the suicide bombers on sighting own troops detonated her explosive device, killing herself instantly, while the second bomber in an attempt to escape was gunned down by one of the Garrison snipers,” Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said this afternoon.

The Army Spokesman disclosed that the combined team of Nigeria Police and Nigerian Army’s Explosive Ordinance Device Team safely detonated the unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices strapped on the gunned-down suicide bomber.

“It is important to state that there was no casualty beyond the two suicide bombers. Presently, the troops and the Civilian JTF deployed in the village are now combing the general area to forestall further breach of security. The situation in the area is calm and law abiding citizens are going about their normal activities without fear,” Col. Usman said in a statement.

He disclosed in another statement that troops of newly inducted 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade, in conjunction with Army Headquarters Strike Group (AHQ SG) and the Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF), carried out a spectacular clearance operation on Tuesday, 22nd March 2016.”

According to Col. Usman, “The gallant troops cleared the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists hibernating in Kala Balge general area.

“The triumphant troops apart from killing 22 terrorists cleared pockets of the terrorists in Wumbi, Tunish, Tilem and Malawaji. Others are Makaudari, Daima, Buduli, Sadigumo, Jiwe, Sidigeri and Kala villages. The troops also rescued 309 persons held captive by the terrorists.

“They also discovered and destroyed the terrorists training camp, factory, locally made weapons and warehouse at Tilem and then secured Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area.

“In a related development, troops of 3 Battalion with the support of Civilian JTF also conducted a fighting patrol at Kusumma village in which they killed 3 Boko Haram terrorists and captured one alive.

“They also rescued 520 persons held hostage by the terrorists and recovered 1 motorcycle, weapons and axes.

“The troops, basking in the unprecedented achievement, are also making efforts to clear remnants.”

•Photo shows suicide bombers.

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