The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday advised Nigerians living in the North East and any other parts of the country to be on the lookout for cluster bombs (also called scatter bombs) as the Nigerian Army Engineers serving in Adamawa State have in recent times recovered some catches of these bombs in the contested areas.

“The military high command has discovered that the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) in the areas have used such lethal instruments over time to push their callous terrorist cause. For easy identification, it is important to note that cluster bombs are bombs that house submunitions, that is, smaller explosives contained in individual cases. These bombs are used against large areas containing many targets, such as columns of vehicles, marketplaces, places of worship or large troop concentration as the case may be,” Acting Director Defence Information, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, said.

He added in a statement issued in Abuja, “Some cluster bombs carry several hundred of very small explosives wrapped in a metal container like a pot while others carry larger submunitions that can find specific targets such as tanks. Some of these submunitions do not blow up immediately, but remain behind and act as landmines. This can be an acceptable explanation for the recovery of catches of these bombs by Nigerian Army Engineers in the area.

“The general publics are hereby requested to be wary of such concealed dangerous equipment now being used by the terrorist elements to cause havoc to both innocent lives and property. The public is also advised to report such objects/materials if seen to security agencies for prompt action. The terrorists are desperate and frustrated and could use any cruel instrument to actualise their evil intention.

“Members of the public are hereby urged to continue to cooperate with the security agencies by giving timely information to secure our great country.”

•Photo shows Defence Spokesman, Col. Abubakar.