At least 21 persons lost their lives yesterday in a failed suicide mission targeted at a Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) facility near Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The dead, according to a statement by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), include six insurgents and 15 civilians, among them was a member of the Youth Vigilante Group also called Civilian JTF.
It said 17 others were injured in the explosion, which was triggered by the planned suicide bombing.
However, luck ran out for one of the suicide bombers as he was apprehended by soldiers before he could flee the scene.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, gave the update in a statement on the incident after the mop-up operation was concluded by troops.
He said: “Also, 15 civilians, including a member of Youth Vigilante Group, died while 17 others were wounded in the explosion that occurred at Mule near Maiduguri on Tuesday afternoon.
“Eight vehicles were also destroyed in the incident. Six of the terrorists died while one has been arrested”.
The botched suicide mission was said to have occurred in Mule, the outskirts of Maiduguri where trucks awaiting loading of fuel from the depot are usually parked.
The DHQ has ordered troops to give all-round protection to sensitive installations and facilities in Borno and Yobe states.
Thanks to God for exporping the insurgence before they carry out their wicked scheme, kudos to the JTF. Pray for quick recovery for the civillian JTF that were wounded and the soul of the departed should rest in Peace.