Tragedy was averted on Sunday in Gashua area of Yobe state as some locals impeded a female bomber attempting to attack a mosque, the Army said on Sunday.
Spokesman of army’s Theatre Command Operation, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the suspected Boko Haram fighter was detected while struggling to detonate a suicide vest strapped to her body.
“What would have otherwise been a devastating suicide bomb attack on a mosque in Gashua village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe state has been successfully foiled today by vigilant members of the community,” the army official said in a statement.
“A female Boko Haram suicide bomber had infiltrated the mosque, while members were about to commence a prayer session but was detected when struggling to detonate a suicide vest strapped to her body. She was quickly restrained by the locals, arrested and handed over to troops at Azare.
“Members of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Component of Operation Lafiya Dole at the location have safely defused the suicide vest, while the suicide bomber is currently receiving medical attention due to injuries sustained during her arrest.”