SOLDIERS REPEL ATTACK ON BARRACKS, KILL 20

The Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO) yesterday repelled an attack by suspected Boko Haram sect members on the Nigerian Army military barracks in Munguno, Borno State.

Munguno is about 200 km from Maiduguri, the state capital.

JTF spokesman Lt. Col. Sagir Musa said in a statement in Maiduguri: “Information available to JTF indicated that some suspected terrorists attempted to attack a military barrack in Munguno, headquarters of Munguno local government area of Borno State, on Sunday.

“The attack was repelled by the JTF troops at the outskirt of the barracks.’’

According to Musa, 20 of the attackers were killed during exchange of fire with the soldiers.

He said, “The encounter led to the death of 20 suspected Boko Haram terrorists. Three four-wheel-drive vehicles and eight motorcycles used by the suspects were destroyed and several arms and ammunition were recovered.

“The following items were recovered: seven AK 47 rifles, 10 rocket-propelled grenade, two RPG tubes, large quantities of assorted ammunition and eight assorted magazines.”

Musa added that the JTF had also arrested suspected masterminds of last week’s bomb blasts in Maiduguri. Based on intelligence reports, he said, “a special operation was conducted by the JTF which resulted in the arrest of two suspected high-profile commanders of the Boko Haram sect in Maiduguri”.

“Those arrested were suspected to be responsible for the February 28 explosions which coincided with the Progressive Governors’ meeting in Maiduguri,’’ Musa addedd, adding that the two suspects were being interrogated.  (NAN)