Soldiers, yesterday, shot a suspected suicide bomber dead outside a Military base in Maiduguri, Borno State, according to a civilian vigilante and a military source. Explosives concealed in the suspect’s handbag detonated in the process.
It was believed that the target of the suspect was the Maimalari Army Barracks, the main military base in Maiduguri, which had been hit repeatedly in recent months by Boko Haram terrorists.
“Soldiers at Maimalari Army Barracks this morning (yesterday) foiled a suicide attack by a female bomber,” Babakura Kolo, a member of the civilian volunteer force assisting troops against the rebels, said.
“The woman approached the barracks around 7a.m. and headed towards the gates.
“Guards at the gates asked her to stop for security checks, but she ignored them and continued walking towards the gates, a handbag slung over her shoulder.
“One of the soldiers opened fire on the woman and the handbag exploded, blowing the woman to pieces,” he said.
A military officer in the city described the incident as an “attempted suicide attack by Boko Haram terrorists,” reports Vanguard.
The military source, who requested anonymity, said the use of human bombs was a sign of the group’s desperation and frustration.
“They are looking for every opportunity to hit back, which is why they have resorted to soft-target attacks on mosques and markets and such attacks on a military base is intended to show the terrorists are still strong,” he added.
