Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted Boko Haram terrorists attempting to plant improvised explosive devices on a bridge along the Dikwa–Marte road in Borno State.
The operation, which resulted in a prolonged gun battle, led to the recovery of two heavy IEDs.
This latest development is part of ongoing counteroffensive efforts by the troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, to eliminate terrorist threats in the region.
Speaking with Channels Television, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsallam Abubakar, said, “Within the past week, troops conducted clearance operations deep into the Lake Chad region, Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Mountains.”
He added that the operations resulted in the killing of nine terrorists in Bama, Gwoza, and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State.
According to Major General Abubakar, the military’s joint operations involve coordinated efforts by the Nigerian Navy patrolling the Lake Chad shores, the Nigerian Army conducting ground operations, and the Nigerian Air Force delivering precision airstrikes.
In addition to the recovered explosives, troops also seized AK-47 rifles and PKT machine guns from the terrorists.
“The sustained offensives have significantly enhanced stability and security in border communities around the Lake Chad fringes,” the Theatre Commander said.