'Nigerian Army uncovers major bomb-making factory, arrests terrorist leader'

Troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade of the Nigerian Army have uncovered a major bomb-making factory and arrested a terrorist leader and two others, the spokesperson for the army, Sani Usman, has said.

Mr. Usman, a colonel, described the finding as “an unprecedented feat” in the fight against the extremist Boko Haram sect in its area of operations.

A statement by Mr. Usman Friday, said the Task Force Brigade, during a cordon and search operation at Sandia, Kokakowa and Nyaleri villages, suspected to be Boko Haram enclaves, uncovered and destroyed the Improvised Explosives Device (IED) making factory at Miyati and Nyaleri villages, along the Maiduguri-Bulabulin-Damboa road, in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

“In addition, three terrorists were arrested comprising an “Ameer”, a high contact and a foot soldier,” the army spokesperson said.

He added, “Among items discovered apart of the IED making equipment, were a Peugeot pick up van, foodstuff, 10-KVA Lister generator, gas cylinders, borehole, 9 bags of fertiliser, pumping machine, 3 bags of maize, 1 bag of millet and 13 empty AGO jerry cans, amongst others.

“The joint operation between the Brigade and Nigerian Air Force who provided air cover and tracking, was part of the determined effort by the military to rout out terrorists in the general area and open more roads hitherto held by the terrorists for public usage. It is also part of the renewed effort and vigour on the part of our troops to meet up with the set dateline that has turned the tide and momentum of the battle against the Boko Haram terrorists in our country.

“I am glad to say that the troops are on high morale and very excited with their accomplishment thus far.

“In a related development, troops have made substantial progress in an advance to reclaim and destroy terrorists held areas within Gamboru Ngala general area.”