Vigilante foils Boko Haram attack, as NSA, COAS visit volatile northeast states

The NSA in mufti flanked by the CDS (left) and  the COAS (immediate right)
while visiting troops in Yobe state

By Blogger 

Attempt by a Boko Haram terrorist to launch what could have turn out to be one of the deadliest attacks on civilian community was on Saturday foiled by a gallant member of a vigilante group in Rumirgo village of Askira Uba local government area, witness and military sources said. 

Rumirgo is one of the agrarian communities in southern part of Borno state, a region that has of late become the hotbed of Boko Haram bestial hostilities. 

The attack was foiled at the time the Nigeria National Security adviser Major General Babagana Monguno, alongside the Chief of Army staff, Lieutenant Tukur Buratai, were leading other service chief on a tour of the sub-region of their birth. 

The NSA has amongst other important issues called for a more robust civil-military cooperation to ending the Boko Haram insurgency, as he said the military is more committed to end the terrorists' activities within the three weeks timeframe given by the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari. 

The NSA addressing soldiers in Damaturu, Yobe capital

A heavily wired Boko Haram suicided was heading for Rumirgo village market which normally hold every Saturday. His mission was to blow himself up in the crowded market. But it was not to be, as an eagle-eyed member of the Civilian-JTF spotted him. 

While being interrogated by the Vigilante operative, the suicide bomber who feared being nabbed decided to let the explosives go off. He died but the gallant vigilante operatives was lucky to survive with injuries. 

Soldiers of the 7 Division Nigeria Army were quick to arrive the scene of the blast, where they helped to save the life of the gallant vigilante operative by rushing him the to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatments. 

Spokesman of the Nigeria Army, Sani Kukasheka Usman, a Colonel, confirmed the incident to newsmen via an electronic statement sent out by him. 

"Today (Saturday, 15th August) an attempt to attack and wreck havoc at  Rumirgo market at about 10.30am this morning in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State was thwarted by a gallant vigilante  group member", Colonel Usman said. 

"The suspected suicide bomber heading to Rumirgo market was accosted by the ever vigilant and security conscious vigilante and in the process of interrogation, the suspected terrorist blew himself up and died on the spot. The vigilante sustained injuries and has been rushed to hospital for medical  attention by troops.  

The NSA discussing with 

"The situtaion and the area are calm and people have continued to go about their normal business. Troops have has been placed on maximum alert to forestall further attack.

"We want seize this opportunity to call on the public to continue to be more vigilant and security conscious.

Meanwhile, the team of the NSA had after visiting Borno state, visited the sister Yobe state where he, along with the Chief of Defence Staff, General AG Olonisakin,  Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal SB Abubakar  and the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, addressed troops in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital. 

"After paying courtesy call on Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, the NSA  inspected the newly established Army Headquarters Logistics Base, Tactical headquarters of 3 Division and military hardwares and equipment", said Colonel Usman who is the Acting Director Department of Army Public Relations.  

"The NSA thereafter addressed troops where he commended their efforts in the war against terrorists and enjoined them to always dedicate themselves to all given tasks and responsibilities. He also emphasised on alertness and adherence to professional ethics of the profession as well as comradeship among the security forces".