Troops destroy ‘ready-to-explode’ bomb factory

The Nigeria army says its troops have destroyed a Boko Haram bomb factory at a village in Borno state, where two empty artillery shells and other cartridges with IED and batteries were “ready to explode”.

According to Sani Usman, army spokesman, the troops also killed nine members of the sect in an operation to clear the village of insurgents.

“The troops of 155 task force Battalion, 21 brigade, Nigerian army on Thursday 31st March 2016, during clearance operations discovered and destroyed improvised-explosive-device (IED) factory and  cleared Boko Haram terrorists hide out in Wulwuta village, ahead of Jere, Bama local government area,” he said.

“During the operation, the troops  also killed nine Boko Haram terrorists while one of our soldier was wounded in action.

“The troops recovered one laptop, one solar panel, a pair of Nigerian military desert and woodland camouflage uniform each, as well as bandolier vest and six ready IEDs pressure plates. Other recoveries include a loaded pistol with registration number D557954, 3 rounds of  7.65mm, 13 rounds of  7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and combat boots, amongst others.

“The gallant unit also rescued 21 persons held captives by the terrorists, comprising eight men, four women and nine  children. They have been moved to the brigade headquarters for further care, screening and eventual hand over to the appropriate agencies.

“It is significant to state that the ever-vigilant and professional troops noticed that the terrorists were determined to cause maximum casualty on them by stuffing two empty artillery shells and other cartridges with IED and batteries ready to explode. They were however safely detonated by the explosive ordinance device (EOD) team attached to the unit.

“It is heart warming to state that the troops morale remains high and fighting efficiency is equally unprecedented.”