Police anti-bomb squad, Friday night deactivated an improvised explosive device (IED) planted near a primary healthcare center in Maiduguri.
Residents discovered the IED around midnight near Mala Kachalla General Hospital at the federal low-cost area along Baga Road.
An eyewitness reported that the device did not explode as it was found in time. The police anti-bomb squad was alerted and successfully deactivated the device without any casualties.
“We discovered this bomb planted near Mala Hospital around midnight. We called on the police anti-bomb squad and they mobilised and got to the place immediately but they could not deactivate the device till around 3 am”, the eye witness stated.
The source of the bomb has yet to be established.
About a week ago, an IED was discovered at Zajeri Primary School, also on Baga Road.
This incident follows a month after multiple explosions killed thirty-six people in Gwoza town and a day after the military warned of the increased use of IEDs by Boko Haram terrorists.
According to Acting GOC 7Div Maimalari Cantonment, Brig. Gen. Abubakar Haruna, the military is intensifying awareness campaigns on the threats posed by IEDs in Maiduguri and Jere.
Brig. Gen. Haruna stated that terrorists have resorted to using IEDs due to their effectiveness and ease of detonation, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects to the military.