Three Boko haram terrorists were neutralised during a gun battle between Boko haram terrorists and troops of 251 Task Force Battalion and Civilian JTF in Maiduguri.
Army spokesperson, Col. Sagir Musa who confirmed this in a statement, said the terrorists in a desperate move to scuttle the elections, used Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED) and attacked Jidimari community in Jidari Polo area of Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.
“Unfortunately, four innocent civilians lost their lives as a result of terrorists gun fire in addition to lethal explosion arising from PBIED mainly targeted at a mosque at a prime time of early morning prayers,he said.
“The carrier of the PBIED and a CJTF who strived to prevent the suicide bomber from accessing the mosque also lost their lives due to the IED explosion.”
He said the troops had mopped up and cleared the general area, and recovered two AK 47 rifles.
“Situation in the area is now calm and normal routine activities are gradually going on,” Sagir said.
He reiterated resolve of the military to ending the remnant of boko haram criminals and bringing an “effective and an enduring end to terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.”
He urged the public to be “more” alert and avail security agencies of any suspicious movement of persons or items.
“Doing so will indeed assist security agencies to effectively deal with the challenge,” he said.
