The Nigerian Army has denied that terrorists of the Boko Haram sect on Sunday battled for the control of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, with troops of the Nigerian Army.
Rather, the Nigerian Army said the heavy shooting heard on the outskirts of the state capital at Aladuwari village was that of the Nigerian Army eliminating suicide bombers.
A statement by the Media Coordinator of Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Mustapha Anka, said based on intelligence available to troops, suspected suicide bombers were waylaid at three entrances into Maiduguri.
Anka said the confession of an arrested suicide bomber provided the intelligence to the planned attack.
The statement, titled: “Troops intercept suicide bombers,” reads in full: “This evening, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, intercepted and destroyed 10 suspected Boko Haram terrorists suicide bombers at the outskirts of Maiduguri city.
“Contrary to earlier media reports and rumours flying around, two Boko Haram terrorists suspected suicide bombers earlier intercepted by vigilant troops disclosed their colleagues intent to enter the city with the aim of detonating bombs in selected public places. Consequently, the troops laid ambush on the terrorists suspected routes along Damboa road and eliminated them. The suicide bombers were intercepted in three different locations approaching the city; Ajiri area towards Damboa road, High Court axis and the Eye Hospital Area.
“The Explosive Ordinance Device team have been mobilized and they are combing the general a area as well as clearing the debris. Normalcy has been restored to the general area and the public are please advised to go about their normal businesses and social activities. However, it is important to maintain more vigilance and security consciousness.”
