Troops uncover bomb-making factory in Yobe

The Nigerian defence headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that the current cordon and search of Buni Yadi, Gujba local government area of Yobe state, by troops has led to the discovery of a bomb making factory where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by Boko Haram were produced.

“A large quantity of IEDs, including those commonly used by suicide bombers, were recovered from the site,” it said in a statement published on its website.

“The factory, which was located in a fertilizer company, has also converted some of the materials therein for production of all types of IEDs.

“Troops are still evacuating the materials, which include a large quantity of suicide bomber vests from the facility to their base. It is believed that the heavy calibre bomb used in blowing up the bridge between Damaturu and Buni Yadi was produced in the factory.”

Boko Haram was sacked from Buni Yadi after a military assault that was conducted last Saturday. In the operation, DHQ explained that the troops’ advance was delayed by a series of IEDs planted on the highway leading to Buni Yadi.

“Four soldiers died from such IEDs in the course of the operation to clear terrorists from the town,” it said.

“This discovery is expected to degrade the capability of terrorists in the production of explosives, which they have been using lavishly in the area until they were dislodged from their stronghold.”