What would have been deadly suicide bomb attacks were aborted Monday morning in Borno State, the Nigerian Army announced.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said: “Today at about 6:15am, 3 female Boko Haram terrorists suicide bombers attempted to attack innocent Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fetching water at a borehole located about 3 kilometres, outskirt of Monguno town along Marte road.

Our vigilant troops detected and gunned them down, killing both instantly.

“Unfortunately, the explosive they were strapped with exploded and injured 2 civilians nearby. The injured persons have been evacuated and are receiving medical attention at the 8 Task Force Division’s medical facility.

“However, the third suicide bomber that followed a different route, detonated some distance before troops deployment along the same road at about 7:10am.

“Troops have cordoned off the general area and imposed restriction of movement into Monguno while they the general area and make it safe.”

Col. Usman in another statement announced that, also in the early hours of today, “troops of 118 Task Force Battalion, 8 Task Force Division sprang a surprise ambush on some elements of Boko Haram terrorists along Gerere Junction, Kukawa Local Government Area, on the northern part of Borno State.”

According to the Army Spokesman, “The Boko Haram terrorists were suspected to be fleeing from the advancing troops of 119 Task Force Battalion presently mopping the general area of Kangarwa in Kukawa Local Government Area.

“During the operation, the troops killed 4 Boko Haram terrorists carrying logistics items. The troops recovered 48 Jerry cans containing 1,440 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) Automatic Gasoline Oil (AGO), 8 Motorcycles out of which 2 were destroyed, 21 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 2 AK-47 rifles, an unprimed Improvised Explosive Device and a 36 Henagar Hand Grenade, as well as assorted drugs.

“However, one of the military vehicle and communication equipment were badly damaged from gun shots by the terrorists.

“The troops have continued to intensify vigilance and high level of alertness following concerted efforts of clearing the remnants of the terrorists.”

•Photo shows Army Spokesman, Col. Sani Usman.