Abuja – The Defence Headquarters says a cordon and search operation conducted by Nigerian troops in Gombe has led to the arrest of three bomb making experts.
The piece of information is contained in a statement issued by Maj.-Gen Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information, in Abuja on Thursday.
Olukolade said the arrested persons were suspected to be members of the terrorists’ group, Boko Haram, in search of soft targets for attack after being dislodged from the stronghold in Sambisa forest and other enclaves.
He listed the Items recovered from those arrested to include a tricycle and materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
He said the suspects were currently undergoing interrogation.
“Cordon and search is continuing in certain localities and will be intensified along with mopping up operations in locations where offensive operations are being conducted.
“The essence is to apprehend the terrorists who have been dislodged from their sanctuaries and are in search of escape routes or resorting to attacking soft targets.
Olukolade said in line with the development, the public should be extra vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities within their environs.
He said the military was poised to ensure the ongoing operations were duly aligned with security arrangements aimed at forestalling any attempt by any group to breach security or disrupt the inauguration of a new government in the country.
Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade
