December Deadline: Nigerian troops clear more Boko Haram enclaves

Determined to ensure that all remaining camps belonging to Boko Haram terrorists group are cleared by end of December this year, troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade, following a tip off have flushed out camps located along the Sabon Gari and Damboa axis in Borno State.

sambisa-1The development occurred Sunday night just as one of three teenage suicide bombers aged between 10 and 15 years blew himself up as the Civilian JTF was in the process of screening the suspect resulting in the death of nine people while 24 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

Giving details of both incidents, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman said: “As part of the determined efforts to rid the society of all known Boko Haram terrorists enclaves and hideouts, troops of 25 Task Force Brigade based on tip off conducted a fighting patrol along Damboa-Njaba-Bale Road in Borno State.

“The troops encountered and killed 3 suspected Boko Haram terrorists that had been terrorizing the communities around Sabon Gari and Damboa.

“Among those killed was the Boko Haram terrorists Ameer (Leader) in Bulayaga. The Ameer was notorious in terrorizing Bale, Wass and Mufurundi villages.

“The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle with its magazine, 43 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 grinding machine and five dane guns. Other items recovered include seven motorcycles, 21 bags of grains and two Boko Haram terrorists flags hoisted.

“In a related development today, troops of 7 Division Garrison on patrol at Mainari village in Mafa Local Government Area had an encounter with Boko Haram terrorists.

“The encounter led to the killing of nine terrorists and recovery of weapons which include four AK-47 and one Pump Action gun. The patrol teams have continued to dominate the respective areas.

On the suicide bomb attack, Usman said, “Today (Sunday) evening at about 8.30pm, three suspected suicide bombers ranging from 10 to 15 years went into Benisheikh, Borno State.

“They were spotted by ever vigilant Borno State Youth Empowerment Scheme (Civilian JTF) who suspected something fishy about them. Indeed, one of them was laden with Improvised Explosive Device, IED.”

“While the Civilian JTF was in the process of screening the suspect following the necessary drills and precautions, the carrier detonated the IED, that led to the death of 9 people while 24 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

“The security and emergency management agents have mobilized to the scene. The bodies have been evacuated and all those injured are receiving medical attention.

“The security agencies have intensified patrols and security checks in the area.

“While we condemn this dastardly act and commiserate with the families of these that lost their lives and the injured, it is pertinent to reiterate the need for more security consciousness and vigilance by all especially during the yuletide and New Year holidays.”

Meanwhile, the Defence headquarters yesterday disclosed that Boko Haram terrorists have devised new strategies with which they intend to achieve their dastardly aim this yuletide warning that Nigerians should be vigilant.

Giving details of the new strategies, Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar said, “It has come to the knowledge of the Defence Headquarters that Boko Haram terrorists have now devised other means of inflicting harm on innocent citizens to further their terrorist cause.

“Some of such tactics they now use include crying and feigning pains and shouting to attract sympathy from unsuspecting public.

“When a lot of people of goodwill gather to render help in the process, the suicide bomber detonates bombs which they conceal under their clothes.

“The recent suicide bombing in Damaturu is instructive.

“Similarly, suicide bombers used monetary incentives and other inducements especially in crowded places to lure innocent citizens in order to cause colossal damage to both lives and property.

“Yola suicide incident is fresh in our memory.

“The Defence Headquarters therefore advises citizens to be wary of such antics of the terrorists who are losing out in their former enclaves and are now desperate to remain relevant by using any means to perpetuate fear in the minds of the populace.

“The Defence Headquarters also warns citizens to be extra vigilant and weary of terrorist malevolence in such places as parks, worship centers and recreation spots particularly in this festive period.

“Citizens are advised to report suspicious persons or objects to security agencies for prompt action.”