The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested two suicide bombers in Borno State on Tuesday.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested two suicide bombers in Borno State on Tuesday.
According to PRNigeria, a short message from the Borno Police Spokesperson stated that: “Today 7/2/17 at about 0700hrs, two female suicide bombers about 18yrs old, were sighted behind Mega filling station in Molai area, while attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri town.
“They were intercepted by security personnel on duty. One was arrested and the other one was shot dead. EOD personnel were quickly drafted to the scene and rendered the area safe,” the statement concluded.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that one of the attempted suicide bombers, 18-year-old Amina, has spoken to their correspondent and is currently in Army custody.
She said her family was abducted by Boko Haram terrorists two years ago in Madagali, Adamawa State and was then taken to Sambisa forest. Her mother, father, and younger brother were all killed after attempting to escape captivity.
"We came from Gobarawa along Domboa, Madagali and Algarno axis in a community where a lot of us were held hostage and married off by sect members," Amina explained to NAN. "I am married to a Boko Haram commander known as 'Amir.'"
Amina disclosed that she and the other suicide bomber were instructed to travel to Maiduguri by motorcycle and to detonate their explosives in a crowded area.
"They gave us N200 each which they said we should use to buy food. It took us three days to come to Maiduguri on a motorcycle. We were directed by the sect members to detonate our explosives anywhere we saw any form of gathering," Amina said.
"They said if we press the button, the bomb would explode and we would automatically go to heaven," she added.
On their way to Maiduguri, security personnel began to shoot at the young women, and their handlers ran off. The NSCDC officers then apprehended the duo.
NSCDC Commandant in Borno State, Abdullahi Ibrahim, confirmed to NAN that Amina was handed over to the Garrison Commander, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri.
"We are going to profile her, as she would give us the lead to get other insurgents," Major-General Lucky Irabor said.
Updated at 10:14 pm WAT.
