Twenty-one people died yesterday in a “botched” suicide mission at a Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) facility near Maiduguri, the beleaguered Borno State capital.
Boko Haram leader, Shekau Abubakar
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the dead were six insurgents and 15 civilians, including a member of Youth Vigilante Group.
It said 17 others were injured in the explosion, which was triggered by the planned suicide bombing.
But one of the suicide bombers was arrested by troops before he could flee the scene.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, gave the update in a statement on the incident after the mop-up operation was concluded by troops.
He said: “Also, 15 civilians, including a member of Youth Vigilante Group, died while 17 others were wounded in the explosion that occurred at Mule near Maiduguri on Tuesday afternoon.
“Eight vehicles were also destroyed in the incident. Six of the terrorists died while one has been arrested.”
Many suspected terrorists were also said to have been shot dead by troops who recovered 15 AK47 rifles and 12 magazines.
Besides, they destroyed 14 vehicles, which were either being used for operation or hidden by the terrorists in various parts of the Sambisa forest.
The botched suicide mission was said to have occurred in Mule in the outskirts of Maiduguri where trucks loading fuel from the depot are parked.
The DHQ has ordered troops to protect all sensitive installations and facilities in Borno and Yobe states.
The foiling of the suicide mission came on a day that Cameroon security forces seized over 288 rifles and 35 Rocket Propelled Guns and 35 (IEDs) from insurgents after a fierce encounter.
A statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, in Abuuja said: “Four terrorists believed to be suicide bombers, apparently heading for an NNPC facility along Maiduguri-Damboa road, have died in their IED-laden vehicles.
“The explosions took place at Mule on the outskirt of Maiduguri. Three of the four explosive laden vehicles were immobilised by shots fired at them by soldiers at the checkpoint shortly before the explosions that rocked the area.
“Five soldiers were wounded while the civilian casualties are yet to be determined. More details follow later.”
A military source said: “Following intelligence reports on likely huge reprisals from insurgents since the botched March 14 attack on Giwa Barracks, security has been beefed up in all checkpoints.
“These suicide bombers targeted the NNPC depot in Mule and many trucks in the area awaiting loading. But the soldiers at a checkpoint in the area took a pre-emptive step to curtail their mission.
“If the troops had not been on the alert, we would have been faced with a serious disaster.
“Troops are already combing the area to forestall any fresh bid by the insurgents.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “The DHQ has ordered a 24-hour protection for all sensitive installations and facilities in the Northeast, especially Borno-Yobe axis.
“In spite of the recent gains by the troops, the insurgents have not given up. This is why we are unrelenting in mopping up suspected hideouts or camps in this axis.”
The botched suicide mission came on a day Cameroon security forces seized over 288 rifles and 35 Rocket Propelled Guns and 35 locally made IEDs from insurgents after a fierce encounter at Abugasse, which is close to the Chadian border.
The DHQ, in a separate statement by Gen. Olukolade, said: “The resolve for collaborative efforts in fighting terrorism in the sub-region got a boost recently when Cameroon security forces made a huge seizure of arms apparently meant for use by terrorists operating in Nigeria last weekend.
“ Over 288 rifles and 35 Rocket Propelled Guns as well as 35 locally made IEDs were recovered after a fierce encounter at Abugasse, Cameroon, close to the Chadian border.
“Other weapons recovered included pistols, mortar bombs, sub-machine guns and various calibres of ammunition following the arrest of two suspects believed to be major arms suppliers to the terrorists in Nigeria.
“They were nabbed in Abugasse near the Chadian border with Cameroon. Also in their possession were over 50 Cameroonian Passports as well as a Toyota Jeep.
“It will be recalled that the Cameroonian authorities recently pledged to back Nigeria’s counter terrorism efforts.”
The statement gave an update on how Nigerian troops killed many suspected terrorists, destroyed 14 vehicles and recovered 15 AK47 rifles and 12 magazines.
The DHQ said there had been intense operations in Alagamo and Sambisa forest since Monday.
The DHQ added: “Also, the renewed offensive on terrorists by Nigerian troops have continued to record series of arrests of terrorists and recovery of arms, especially close to the nation’s border with Cameroon.
“Apart from arms recovered following disclosure from captured terrorists lately, more arms have been captured in the ongoing offensive in different fronts.
“The arrest at a check point of a terrorist driving in a green Peugeot vehicle with registration number Bauchi 264 AA heading to Maiduguri from Alagarno during the weekend, led to the recovery of 15 AK47 rifles and 12 magazines and various yet to be assembled rifles.
“Meanwhile, the offensive on terrorists in various fronts is continuing. The Alagarno area as well as various points of Sambisa forest and suburbs have been witnessing intense operations since Monday.
“Apart from several dead terrorists, 14 vehicles which were either being used for operation or hidden by the terrorists in various parts of the forests and theatres have been destroyed.
“ Various calibres of weapons and ammunitions were also recovered in the course of fighting and subsequent cordon and search of the areas.
“Intensive air and ground surveillance are also ongoing in the general area.”
Suicide bombers kill 15 civilians, six insurgents in Maiduguri
This hint was given by two members of the Islamic militants arrested on Wednesday at Mairi ward behind University of Maiduguri by members of the Civilian JTF.