Sallah: Troops gun down female suicide bomber in Borno

A female suicide bomber who attempted to attack a cattle market in Borno state where scores of Muslims preparing for Eid el Kabir celebrations had converged for shopping was on Sunday gunned down by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

The killing of the suicide bomber and subsequent nuetrizing of the IED she was carrying occurred just as the military alerted Nigerians to be wary of people who dress like or appear like mad men or women,:orbpretend to be mentally unbalanced, as they could suicide bombers prowling the streets.

A statement signed by Col Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, giving details of the foiled suicide attack said, “On Sunday 11th September 2016, evening, a suspected female suicide bomber was seen approaching troops check point located at Kara Cattle market axis, Dikwa, towards Antul and Mukdala, Dikwa Local Government Area, Borno State.

“She was challenged from afar by the vigilant duty sentry, she refused to stop claiming to be coming from Monguno to see her parents in Dikwa.

“Troops sensing the direction of approach was suspicious and abnormal, fired a shot at her and the gallant sentry was proven right as she was carrying a Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED) which exploded with a loud bang, killing her instantly.

The explosive also caused minor injury on 2 soldiers and a Civilian JTF assisting them.

The injured soldiers and the civilian have been treated and have continued with their duties.

According to Col Usman, “This incident has shown that there are a few of the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists that are determined to carry out criminal acts to create panic and insecurity in some areas.

“In a related development, there is also very reliable information that remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists now disguise or pretend to be mad men or women in order to gain access to some locations especially in Maiduguri.

“Consequently, all should be very wary of any seemingly mentally unstable or mad men or women found wandering and report same.

“Therefore, it is imperative for all to be more security conscious and vigilant especially during the Eid festivities and public holidays.

“The public are further enjoined to report any suspicious persons or movement to the security agencies.”