By Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri

The Nigerian Army on Friday said it foiled what could have been a major disaster in Maiduguri, Borno State, as three suicide bombers were intercepted by watchful security agents as they tried to gain entrance into the city.

The deputy commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the counter-insurgency operation in the North east, Lucky Irabor, a Brigadier General, made the disclosure during a media briefing in the state capital.

The bombers, Irabor said,  two females and one male, were about a kilometre from entering Maiduguri, along Mafa Road,  but an encounter at a military checkpoint scuppered their plans.

On sighting soldiers, one of the bombers detonated her explosive, killing herself and one of her colleagues.

“The third one while attempting to run at the checkpoint to detonate the bomb on him, but before he could get to the soldiers was shot,” the commander stated.

In a similar vein, Irabor revealed that 63 insurgents have been killed in the past one week and suicide bombers intercepted, while various arms and ammunition have been intercepted as troops push towards a total clear out of the insurgents in Borno and other north eastern states.

Irabor noted that on January 17, 2015, a clearance operation carried out at Shentimari area led to the recovery of 78 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

“Similarly, on 18 January at Chukun Gudu, troops encountered and destroyed terrorist’s camps along Jillam, Bula Butube general areas.  During the exchange of fire, 10 terrorists were killed, two AK47 Rifles, two AK47 magazines, two solar panels and two GSM handsets were recovered, while one Isuzu vehicle was destroyed.

“On 20 January 2016, troops cleared terrorist camps/enclaves at Ngwalimiri and Gazama in Damboa Local Government Area.  While conducting operations in Mufurundi village along Damboa-Bale road, our gallant troops intercepted 10 Boko Haram suspects from Bego, Mesemarri and Bale villages carrying bags containing food condiments, soaps, and other items.  Suspects are presently undergoing interrogation. Also, troops had an encounter with terrorists during advance from Wajirok to Ajigin. During the encounter, three of the terrorists were killed,” he explained.

Troops stationed at old Marte, the army chief added, killed 21 insurgents and recovered several weapons and materials including one anti-air gun, 10 AK47 rifles,1 FN rifle,n7 x 60mm MOR bombs, qty 342 rounds of 12.7mm, Qty 507 rounds of 7.62mm ammunitions, 1 Toyota Hilux, 1 Land Cruiser vehicle, 1 IED with charger.

The commander also disclosed that a member of the youth vigilante group, Civilian JTF, was on Thursday stabbed to death by an unidentified person who was being interrogated as he tried to gain access to a village near the state capital.

The attacker, he added, was however shot by another member of the group before he could escape.

Irabor further stated that 20 insurgents were killed when patrolling troops engaged them at Kudiye and Mijigete. The soldiers recovered three rifles, destroyed 41 motorcycles and rescued 370 hostages who were brought to IDP camp at Dikwa.

“In continuation of the ongoing operation, troops advancing to clear Dure village, came under Boko Haram terrorists ambush at Rugga Fulani but were cleared.  During the encounter, 8 Boko Haram terrorists were killed, two AK47 rifles, two locally made Dane Guns, three AK47 Magazined with 38 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Similarly, a unit of troops cleared BHT hideouts in Wala, Tirkopytir, and Durubajuwe villages.  During the operation, troops recovered 1 rusty GPMG barrel, 1 grinding machine and 1 locally made Dane gun,” he explained.

Also, some insurgents fleeing from soldiers at Huyum, Jeje and Diba villages were engaged by soldiers who killed four of them.

Their abandoned families, made of five women and 12 children were taken into custody, with the women currently facing interrogation.