Army intercepts two suspected female suicide bombers

The army says it intercepted two suspected suicide bombers near Maiduguri, possibly averting another bomb attack in Borno state.

The suspected bombers were both female, but one detonated her explosive device on sighting soldiers, killing herself.

The second was shot while attempting to escape.

Col. Sani Usman, the Acting Director of Nigerian Army Public Relations, said in a statement, “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 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,’’ the statement read in part.