‘Suicide bombings averted in Borno, suspected female bombers gunned down’

The Nigerian Army on Friday announced that its troops shot dead two suspected female suicide bombers in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, averting what could have been another tragedy in the troubled city.

The spokesperson for the Army, Sani Usman, said in a statement that the attackers were halted by troops and men of the Civilian JTF as they made their way into the city before dawn.

Mr. Usman, a colonel, said, “The ever alert and vigilant troops of 7 Division Garrison based in Maiduguri, in conjunction with Civilian JTF averted yet another suicide attack on the innocent citizens in Borno State today.

“The troops intercepted two female suicide bombers at about 1.20am 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.

“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.”