Boko Haram Bomb Factory Discovered By Nigerian Troops During Assault Against Militants In Yobe State

A Boko Haram bomb-making factory was discovered by Nigerian troops in the northeastern state of Yobe, the military said Friday, according to media reports. The news of the discovery of the factory comes after the Islamic State group purportedly accepted Boko Haram's alliance.

The factory was reportedly found after authorities seized the town of Buni Yadi, which was under the control of Boko Haram since August. Military forces reportedly battled the insurgents for months to regain control of the town, which was recaptured last week. Soldiers have found large quantities of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which are commonly used by suicide bombers, CNN reported.

"The factory, which was located in a fertiliser company, has also converted some of the materials therein for production of all types of IEDs,” Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, the director of defense information, said in a statement, on Friday, according to local media. "Troops are still evacuating the materials which include a large quantity of suicide bomber vests from the facility to their base."

He also added that the “heavy calibre bomb used in blowing up the bridge between Damaturu and Buni Yadi was produced in the factory,” adding that the discovery of the factory could degrade Boko Haram’s capability of making explosives.

Authorities also reportedly said that troops were delayed in entering the town due to the series of IEDs planted on the highway leading to Buni Yadi. However, they succeeded in taking over the town after the assault conducted against one of the world's most violent Islamist extremist groups last Saturday.

Olukolade reportedly confirmed that "four soldiers died from such IEDs in the course of the operation to clear terrorists from the town.”