The Nigerian Army has said 14 female suicide bombers descended on Borno State on Sunday, killing 25 people and injuring at least, 85.
Yushau Abubakar, a Major-General and Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, who represented the GOC, 7 Division, Major-General Lamidi Adeosun, said at a press briefing in Maiduguri on Monday, that the suicide bombers blew themselves into bits as they attempted to invade the city.
“The 14 female suicide bombers, who were between the ages of 12 and 18, attempted to enter Maiduguri with the intent to cause mayhem, confusion, and panic,” said Abubakar.
Abubakar said the girls, who planned to carry out coordinated suicide missions through Asmari, Damboa checkpoint, Ali Dawari, Molai Kura, Baderi, and Jumari villages, were intercepted by soldiers on patrol.
Three of the terrorists, according to the army officer, detonated their Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) while seven others were shot dead by soldiers.
One of the bombers was arrested while three others escaped.
“I believe this development has averted what would have been a major disaster if they had gained entrance into Maiduguri.
“One of the girls went into a nearby house and requested for water to perform ablution but instead prepared herself and came to a nearby mosque, killing herself and one other person while 13 others sustained injuries.”
Abubakar said four soldiers were killed as the insurgents recently ambushed Nigerian troops in Mairaria village on the Maiduguri and Firgi road, while 14 insurgents, he said, also died in the ensuing gun battle.
General Abubakar noted that the terrorists had now resorted to attacking “soft targets” and laying ambush for soldiers due to their weakened strength.
The Borno State Police Command has also confirmed the death of scores of people after a suspected bomb blast near a mosque in Silimanti on the outskirt of Maiduguri.
Victor Isuku, the Police Public Relations Officer, gave the confirmation while speaking with journalists in Maiduguri.
“I can confirm to you that the incident happened in the early hours of Monday. But I cannot give you the casualty figures as aid workers are still counting.”
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