Five suspected ISWAP members die while assembling explosives in Borno

None less than five suspected ISWAP operatives, comprising one suspected medical officer and four bomb-makers, died after an IED exploded before it reached its intended target in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

The security sources, including counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, revealed that the event happened in Maina Daya Village, located in the gap between Sabon Tumbu and Jubilaram, approximately 29 kilometers east of Monguno Local Government Area.

They said that among the casualties were Usman Dan Fulani, who was suspected to be ISWAP medical officer, and two foreigners who were suspected Arab IED bomb-makers and two others suspected to be ISWAP explosives experts.

Preliminary intelligence indicated that the explosion occurred while the suspects were allegedly assembling improvised explosive devices intended for future operations.

The sources believe the explosives were being prepared for deployment along strategic military supply routes within Sector 1 of Operation HADIN KAI, suggesting the group may have been planning fresh attacks against security forces operating in the area.

Security analysts described the incident as a major operational setback for the terrorist group’s bomb-making network, noting that the loss of experienced IED specialists could temporarily reduce ISWAP’s ability to carry out roadside bomb attacks, particularly along the Marte–Monguno corridor.

Military sources further disclosed that troops participating in Operation HADIN KAI have been directed to take advantage of the development by intensifying offensive operations across the affected axis.

According to the sources, troops have been ordered to increase patrols, conduct cordon-and-search operations and launch targeted missions around Monguno, Marte and Gamboru Ngala to prevent the insurgents from regrouping or rebuilding their explosives manufacturing capability.