by Isi Esene

Men of the Joint Military Task Force yesterday in Kaduna killed five people suspected to be members of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

Two others were reportedly arrested in the early morning raid.

Col. Sani Usman, the spokesman of 1 Division, Nigeria Army, Kaduna, said the incident happened in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area.

Usman said the raid followed a tip-off from well-meaning individuals who gave useful information about the activities of the suspected terrorists.

“On the approach to the factory, some suspected terrorists opened fire and also threw already primed IED at the troops. The exchange of fire that ensued resulted in the death of five terrorists, while two that sustained various degrees of injuries are being treated. In line with our resolve to deter terrorists, the building housing the factory was demolished this morning,” he said.

He continued saying another bomb-making factory was discovered at a house located off Makarfi Road, and the following items recovered:

1. Five Mark 4 rifles
2. Three Pump Action Riffles.
3. Twenty Rolls of Detonating Cords.
4. Twenty One 9’ Volt Batteries.
5. Two Remote Switches.
6. One Testing Metre.
7. Five assorted Daggers and Jackknives.
8. One Firing Cable and other Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) materials.

Usman assured that the JTF is ready to do what it takes to safeguard the lives and properties of its citizens.

He said, “We wish to inform the general public that whatever we are doing is aimed at ensuring that there is peace in Kaduna State as well as taking necessary steps in safeguarding the lives and properties of law-abiding citizens.”

He urged the public to continue to report any suspicious movement, establishments or persons in their environment, stressing that all such information received will be treated with absolute confidentiality.