Tragedy averted as Army foils two suicide attacks near Maiduguri

Troops working with local vigilantes have intercepted two female suicide bombers on the outskirts of Maiduguri.

The Acting Director of Nigerian Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman said this in a statement he issued in Maiduguri on Friday.

"The ever alert and vigilant troops of 7 Division Garrison based in Maiduguri, in conjunction with Civilian JTF, averted yet another suicide attack on the innocent citizens in Borno on Friday.

"The troops intercepted 2 female suicide bombers at about 1.20 this morning, almost 100 metres south of Umurari village, outskirts of Maiduguri. 

"However, one of the suicide bombers on sighting our troops detonated her explosive device, killing herself instantly, while the second bomber in an attempt to escape was gunned down by one of the Garrison snipers.

"The combined team of Nigeria Police and Nigerian Army’s Explosive Ordinance Device team safely detonated the unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices strapped on the gunned down suicide bomber.

It is important to state that there was no casualty beyond the two suicide bombers. Presently, the troops and the Civilian JTF deployed in the village are now combing the general area to forestall further breach of security.

"The situation in the area is calm and law abiding citizens are going about their normal activities without fear,’’ he said.