Saturday Maiduguri Explosion: Army Says Boko Haram/ISWAP Responsible For Bombings

The Nigerian Army says suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists are responsible for Saturday’s explosion in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The Army however assured that its operatives have responded appropriately to the situation and residents, as well as the general public, have nothing to fear.

Naija News recalls there was tension on Saturday morning in Maiduguri, Borno State, after a massive explosion rocked a 1000 Housing Estate.

According to a video, some residents were seen discussing the incident in groups, while a large crowd was also spotted in one of the houses affected by the explosion.

Reacting to the statement, the Nigerian Army in a statement on Saturday by its spokesperson, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu said the explosion was a futile attempt by the terrorists to maintain potency.

The statement while confirming the apprehension and loss of properties caused by the explosion, however, noted that no life was lost.

The residents have been urged to go about their normal activities without entertaining fears with the army giving further assurance that security operatives are at alert and ready to continue providing safety in Borno State.

The full statement titled “OPERATION HADIN KAI: NO CAUSE FOR ALARM, TROOPS ON GROUND TO WARD-OFF THREATS IN MAIDUGURI” reads: “Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation HADIN KAI(OPHK) have responded effectively to the security breach by suspected Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who made futile attempt to maintain potency early this morning, 4 December 2021, with explosions in the outskirt of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.

“The sound of explosions at Gomari community and 1000 Housing Estate in Maiduguri was heard in the early hours of today with shots fired into these communities by BH/ISWAP criminals.

“This unfortunate incident has caused some level of damage and apprehension in residential areas. Although, no life was lost, sadly a minor sustained injury.

“Ground troops in conjunction with the Air Component of OPHK responded swiftly and dominated the area with ground and air interdictions that successfully neutralized the threats and infiltration attempt by the terrorists.

“The general public are urged not to panic as troops are on ground and aggressively dominating the city to effectively take out any perceived threat.

“The good people of Maiduguri are equally enjoined to go about their normal socio economic activities and provide actionable information on the movement of these criminal elements.”