TheCable

The defence headquarters has said a cordon and search operation conducted by Nigerian troops in Gombe state has led to the arrest of three bomb making experts.

Chris Olukolade, director, defence information, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.

Olukolade said the arrested persons were suspected to be members of 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 them 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,” he said.

“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 attempts by any group to breach security or disrupt the inauguration of a new government in the country.