Troops from the Nigerian Army assigned for counter-terrorism operations in Yobe State have foiled a Boko Haram terrorist attack on high-tension electric pylons in the state.
Attacks on electricity infrastructure have increased recently, resulting in blackouts in affected areas.
On December 28, 2023, terrorists in Borno State demolished three electricity towers, T193, T194, and T195, using improvised explosive devices.
In June 2024, vandals demolished two towers, T193 and T194, on the 330 kilovolt single-circuit transmission line in Borno State.
Concerned about the attacks, the federal government stated a desire to employ “power rangers” to protect electrical infrastructure across the country.
However, troops in Kasesa village, Yobe State, thwarted another attack on the country’s electrical grid.
In a statement put on X on Sunday, the Army said that forces, working with hunters and credible intelligence, ambushed terrorists on their approach to damage infrastructure.
The Army said, “Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Yobe State, in collaboration with local hunters’ groups, have thwarted an attempt by ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists to destroy high-tension electric pylons near Kasesa Village at the outskirts of Damaturu town.
“The troops, acting on credible intelligence, laid ambush for the terrorists and intercepted them while en route to the pylons in a suspicious vehicle. A fierce firefight ensued as the troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their vehicle and flee with gunshot wounds.”
The Army reported that eight IEDs were seized from militants following the operation.
“Upon searching the vehicle, the troops discovered eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with detonating cords, along with a trade test card belonging to one Emmanuel Adamu.
“The quick and decisive action of the troops and hunters prevented a potential catastrophe and safeguarded the electricity infrastructure in the region.
“The successful operation is a clear pointer to the dedication and vigilance of the security forces in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of the local communities in Yobe State,” the statement added.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
