The ongoing cordon and search by troops in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, has led to the discovery of a bomb-making factory, where Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) used by Boko Haram terrorists were being manufactured.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, revealed last night in a statement that a large quantity of IEDs, including those commonly used by suicide bombers were recovered from the site.
The factory, which, according to him, was located in a fertilizer company, has also converted some of the materials therein for production of all types of IEDs. He said troops are still evacuating the materials which include a large quantity of suicide bomber vests from the facility to their base.
“It is believed that the heavy calibre bomb used in blowing up the bridge between Damaturu and Buni Yadi was produced in the factory.
“The terrorists were sacked from Buni Yadi after a military assault that was conducted last Saturday. The troops advance was delayed by the series of IEDs planted on the highway leading to Buni Yadi. Four soldiers died from such IEDs in the course of the operation to clear terrorists from the town.
“This discovery is expected to degrade the capability of terrorists in the production of explosives, which they have been using lavishly in the area until they were dislodged from their stronghold,” Olukolade stated.
•Photo shows IEDs
NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.