Two suicide bombers die in Maiduguri

Two suspected members of the Boko Haram sect died in Maiduguri, on Monday, when an Improvised Explosive Device one of them strapped to her body exploded at a police checkpoint.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Borno Police Command, Victor Isuku, the suicide bombers were halted at the outskirt of Maiduguri.

Isuku, in a text message, said, “At About 20:30hrs yesterday (Sunday), two female suicide bombers were halted for a routine check at Geleri village, which is about five kilometres to Muna Garage, an outskirt of Maiduguri.

“One of the suicide bombers detonated an IED strapped to her body, killing her and her accomplice whose IED vest did not explode. Three residents of the area were, however, injured.

“The command’s EOD unit rushed to the scene to defuse the unexploded IED. The area is now secure.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, under the Operation Lafiya Dole, in Borno State, has said some elements are sabotaging the efforts of the troops in the Sambisa Forest.

The General Officer Commanding, 7 Division, Borno State, Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, said this on Monday while receiving relief materials worth N2.5m for the troops from a Lagos-based Non-Governmental Organisation — the Volt Club.

The materials were purchased by the club from fees contributed by the pupils of the Children International School, Lekki.

The GOC said despite the sabotage, the troops would work hard to permanently overcome insurgency in the region.

He said, “This is a show of brotherliness for our soldiers out there fighting Boko Haram. We have fought the insurgents from the territories they had, hitherto, commanded as their caliphate. We are also taking the battle right to them in the Sambisa Forest, where we are presently.

“Some people are trying to paint us black and trying not to see anything good in our efforts to safeguard our nation. But we take it that God Almighty will bless these children who have donated this because they are very patriotic in their attitude. While people like you appreciate our good work, some are working hard to sabotage our efforts.

“But we promise to exterminate Boko Haram terrorists from their hideouts and ensure that they never exist again in our country.”

The leader of the delegation, Mr. Bhila Kiphani, said the pupils donated part of their stipends to fund the project so as to assist the troops.

“This is just a token of appreciation from schoolchildren all the way from Lekki Phase 1. Lagos. It is a kind gesture coming from schoolchildren to our troops. We must make our soldiers happy for all their sacrifices,” he added.