Troops kill 10 insurgents, arrest ‘masterminds’ of Yobe bombings

Ten members of the Boko Haram sect were killed during an exchange of gunfire with soldiers in Yobe state on Tuesday.

Sani Usman, spokesman of the Nigerian army, announced this in a statement, saying the suspects who attacked a military location in Geidam, Yobe, last week, have been arrested.

Usman said the military recovered many weapons in the operation.

“Troops of 5 Brigade ambushed suspected Boko Haram terrorists that attacked military location and Geidam town last week,” the statement read.

“They were ambushed while returning from an attack on Gajiram near Ngollom village.

“The troops killed 10 Boko Haram terrorists and wounded some. The troops also recovered 1  anti-aircraft Gun, 5 AK 47 Rifles, 1 fabrique nationale Rifle, 2 machine guns and 1 light machine gun.

“Other weapons and equipment recovered include a Rocket Propel Grenade Tube, 8  AK 47 rifle magazines, 1 x Toyota Landcruiser,  2 Belts of 7.62MM (NATO) with  150 and  180 rounds of ammunition respectively.

“Additionally, troops on patrol around Monguno have arrested one Abacha Kumjo a suspected Boko Haram fuel and logistics supplier.

“He was arrested with 20 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) neatly concealed in a black polythene bag while trying to cross from Monguno to a terrorists camp. He siphoned the fuel from his Golf Wagon vehicle with registration number AA 175 MFA, Borno State. The suspect is being interrogated further.

“It is pertinent to once more reiterate the call on the public to cooperate with security agencies, be more security conscious and report suspected persons or unusual movements to the security agencies.

“The fight against terrorism and insurgency is a collective responsibility of all well meaning citizens. We should not allow these criminals to succeed in thwarting our collective efforts of peaceful coexistence.”