5 Boko Haram Sectants, 2 Soldiers Killed In Fresh Kano Shootout

Kano - Two soldiers and five suspected Boko Haram extremists were killed in shootouts early Saturday morning on the outskirts of Kano.Items recovered during the operation include two AK 47 rifles, 458 rounds of 7.62 special and six AK 47 rifle magazines. Army Captain Ikedichi Iweha, spokesman for the security forces' combined Joint Task Force, said the suspects were planning simultaneous suicide attacks in the Nigerian capital Abuja and Kano. In an email sent to reporters, Iweha said "intelligence available indicates that the terrorists were in the process of finalizing plans." Iweha said security is being tightened in Kano, amid fears that insurgents are fleeing to the city from the three northeastern states currently under emergency rule. Soldiers and agents of the Department of Security Services (DSS) engaged in a shootout with the terrorist sect cell during security raids Hotoro Dan'marke and Brigade Quarters. "Sequel to the series of cordon and search operations being carried out by the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the men of the DSS in Kano, complementing the ongoing operations by troops in the North Eastern axis of the country, the JTF wishes to keep the general public abreast with developments," Iweha, the spokesman, said via statement. "In the early hours of Saturday, 9 November 2013, at about 0300 hours to be precise, a combined team of the JTF and DSS personnel stormed two residences at Hotoro Dan Marke and Brigade general areas. In the resulting shootout, five terrorists and two soldiers lost their lives. Intelligence available indicates that the terrorists were in the process of finalizing plans to carry out simultaneous suicide attacks in Abuja and Kano respectively. Items recovered during the operation include two AK 47 rifles, 458 rounds of 7.62 special and six AK 47 rifle magazines. "This is due to the cooperation the JTF is receiving from members of the general public. The recent rise in activities of members of the terrorist sect may not be unconnected with the increase in pressure being mounted on them by troops in the North Eastern axis and their desperation to make loud statements of their presence. "Members of the general public are therefore enjoined to go about their normal businesses without fear as the JTF has increased its patrols to cope with the pressure of the ember periods and fleeing terrorists. However, worrisome is the ease with which terrorists secure accommodation easily in Panshekara, Ja'en, Mariri, Farawa, Hotoro, Sherada, Brigade and other outskirt areas in the state despite appeals by the JTF to property owners to desist from renting their properties to persons with questionable identities.