Troops in Gwoza gun down 2 ‘suicide bombers in bulging hijab’

Two female bombers were gunned down close to a military location in Gwoza local government area of Borno state.

According to Sani Usman, army spokesman, the incident happened on Thursday.

He said the attackers came into Gwoza through Pulka axis at about 12:57pm.

“They were sighted by members of vigilante from a distance and alerted the troops about the impending catastrophe,” he said in a statement.

“The very observant vigilante also noted that the women looked suspicious, walking awkwardly with bulging hijab and distinct from other female farmers.

“When the suicide bombers noticed that they were being observed, they hurriedly  ran toward troops aiming to detonate it on them.”

He said the troops neutralised two of the female suicide bombers, while the third one ran back into the bush but was pursued.

“Unfortunately, a soldier sustained injuries due to the impact of the explosion.

“The wounded soldier is currently receiving treatment at a military medical centre and he is in a stable condition.”

Earlier, on Thursday, troops intercepted a male suicide bomber on the outskirts of Maiduguri and neutralised the bomb he strapped onto himself.