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Deadly bomb blast in Maiduguri as Nigeria troops battle islamist insurgents in Kogi State

Three suicide bombers believed to be Islamist insurgents yesterday exploded explosive devices in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, killing seven people, including the three terrorists. 11 victims sustained varying degrees of injury, according to a military spokesman, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman.

The explosions happened three minutes apart in the Ajilari section of the Maiduguri metropolis.

In a statement, Colonel Usman also disclosed that soldiers in Okene town, Kogi State, repelled an attack by suspected terrorists close to 5.30 a.m. on Wednesday (Nigerian time). The spokesman added that the Nigerian troops killed two of the insurgents who mounted the attack. He revealed that the soldiers seized a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and empty cases of expended ammunition. One soldier lost his life and another was injured during the exchange of gunfire, said the spokesman.

“The situation has been brought under control and people have been asked to go about their normal businesses in the town,” said the military.

In another development, Nigerian soldiers belonging to the 5th Brigade reportedly ambushed suspected Boko Haram terrorists who launched an attack on a military location and Geidam town last week. Colonel Usman said the suspected insurgents were ambushed as they were on the road after attacking Gajiram near Ngollom village.

“The troops killed 10 Boko Haram terrorists and wounded some. The troops also recovered one anti-aircraft gun, five AK 47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale Rifle, two machine guns and one light machine gun,” said Colonel Usman. Other weapons seized from the insurgents included a rocket-propelled grenade, eight AK 47 rifle magazines, and one Toyota Land Cruiser.

Colonel Usman also revealed that Nigerian troops patrolling in Monguno town arrested one Abacha Kumjo, suspected to be a supplier of fuel and other logistical material to Boko Haram. According to the spokesman, the suspect was arrested with 20 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS) neatly concealed in a black polythene bag while trying to cross from Monguno to a terrorist camp. “He siphoned the fuel from his Golf Wagon vehicle with registration number AA 175 MFA, Borno State. The suspect is being interrogated further,” said Colonel Usman.

He urged members of the public “to cooperate with security agencies, be more security conscious and report suspected persons or unusual movements to the security agencies,” adding that 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.”

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