Police authorities in Borno State have recovered three projectiles in Borno State, averting an explosion.
The spokesman of the Borno Police Command Nahum Daso said the projectiles were recovered in the Dala Kafanti Area of Maiduguri, the capital of the North-East state.
“On 2nd January 2025, at about 0925HRS, following a report received from one Asabe James of Dala Kafanti Area Maiduguri – Borno State reported to the command that she sighted a suspicious sack containing unidentified items behind her house.
“On receipt of the information, the Command EOD-CBRN Base 13 Maiduguri, swiftly moved to the scene, cordoned and swept the area, where three (3) projectiles were recovered in the sack,” the spokesman said in a statement issued on Thursday.
“Preliminary investigations further reveal that the ordnance was dropped by unknown persons in the first flush of the morning on the same day.
Community members were further sensitized on Explosive Ordnance Risk Awareness (EORE) and Safety measures.”
MNJTF troops intercept terrorists’ courier, foil IED attack
The Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have foiled a potential Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack.
The troops operated under Sector 3 in Monguno community in Borno, and in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
MNJTF’s Chief Military Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday in Maiduguri.
He said the operation, which took place on Thursday at the entrance to Gubio Local Government Area, led to the interception of a suspected terrorist courier.
Osoba said that the suspect, identified as Murktar Alhaji-Chari, 28, was arrested while conveying materials believed to be for the manufacture of IEDs.
According to him, the materials included four empty 12kg cylinders, one empty 6kg cylinder, two carburettor gas canisters, two pressure regulators, and a hose.
He said that the suspect confessed to transporting the materials to Damasak town in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno for a planned attack targeting MNJTF troops.
“Intelligence reports suggest that the materials were intended for a terrorist group planning a retaliatory attack after suffering recent losses.
“These include the elimination of several members and the seizure of a significant weapons cache,” he said.
Osoba explained that the timely interception disrupted the planned attack and weakened the operational capacity of the terrorist group.
According to him, the suspect is currently in custody and is assisting with investigations.
He said that the Force Commander of MNJTF, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, commended the troops and the CJTF for their vigilance and professionalism.
Osoba reiterated the commitment of the MNJTF to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the region.