December 25, 2014 – The Nigerian Army has said that security forces on Thursday raided the hide of members of the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram, leading to arrest of experts who have been making bombs for the sect.
In a statement, Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade said the raid was carried out in Nasarawa Local Government in Kano State adding that the security forces also foiled attempt by the sect to detonate Improvised Explosive Devices(IEDs) in Bagoja on Christmas eve when the assailant rammed his Honda car into a stationary Armored Personnel Carrier(APC).
According to him, the explosives about eight of them loaded in the vehicle failed to explode forcing the assailant to flee on foot. He was however brought down by vigilant soldiers.
“A suicide bomber who rammed into a military check point in Bajoga, Gombe State yesterday, failed to achieve his mission.
His attempt to escape also failed as he was brought down by vigilant soldiers when he tried to flee after hitting a military Amoured Personnel Carrier with his IED laden Honda car. The explosives which failed to detonate have been evacuated and handed to the police.
“Also in Kano, security forces have raided the terrorists’ hideout in Nasarawa Local Government Area leading to the arrest of bomb making experts who are already helping in the investigation into activities of bombers lately. Officers believe that the efforts will yield useful clues.
“Troops deployed in all locations of the counter terrorism campaign have been directed to sustain the tempo of operations all through the period of seasonal celebrations and ensure that the intention of terrorists to attack civilian target while avoiding troops is duly frustrated”.he said in a statement.
While wishing Nigerians merry Xmas, he said Nigerian soldiers are ready and willing to die to defend the nation.
