JTF recovers rocket launchers from terrorists in Maiduguri

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State yesterday announced its recovery of nine Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers from a hideout of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, in Maiduguri.

Also seized were four AK47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun ( GPMG), 11 chargers, 1,032 rounds of ammunition, three AK47 Magazines and three Wooden Butts.

Briefing newsmen at the JTF Headquarters along Pompomari By- pass in Maiduguri, the Field Operations Commander, Colonel Victor Ebheleme commended the efforts of residents for cooperating with the security agencies in providing information on the hideouts of the sect members, which according to him led to the success of recovering the arms and ammunition .


Ebheleme said, some residents provided information on the hideouts of some suspected members of the sect, enabling the JTF swung into action and arrested some members and after interrogation, the suspects revealed the house of a person (now at large),
During the JTF searc of the house 4 AK47 rifles, 1 set of GpMG, 9 RPG Bombs and 11 chargers were recovered in the house.

He added that other weapons of mass destruction recovered from the house include 1,032 rounds of ammunition, 3 AK47 Magazines and 3 Wooden Butts.
Also the JTF Field Commander revealed that two criminals involved in sending anonymous threats through text messages to individuals requesting for money were also arrested in the state Capital, Maiduguri.


He therefore reminded members of the Public to always report such threat to security agencies early enough for prompt action, even as he enjoined them to always give information that will lead to the arrest of criminals in the state, stating that all information provided by the general public will be treaded with utmost confidentiality.


In another development, some gunmen laid ambush in Gwange ward of Maiduguri metropolis and shot dead a banker with First City Monument Bank (FCMB), injuring one of his friend, while the other escaped unhurt.

The incident it was gathered took place at about 6:45pm when the deceased along side his two friends were breaking their fast infront of his house in Gwange, when the gunmen came and opened fire on them and escaped without being arrested.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public relations Officer, DSP Gideon Jibrin said, “information available to the Command revealed that some suspected terrorists laid ambush in Gwage ward on Thursday evening killing a banker with FCMB, and injured one”.

He said investigation has already commenced with a view to arrest the culprits.- end-