Two suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who were attempting to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along a key highway in Borno State, have reportedly been neutralised by troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai.
Military intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama on Monday that the operation took place along the strategic Trans-Timbuktu (TT) corridor, stretching toward the Katarko–Goniri axis of the North East state.
It was gathered that acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of a terrorist IED-laying team, the troops launched an ambush along the route, leading to the successful operation.
One of the reliable security sources disclosed that “During the encounter, the soldiers engaged the terrorists in a brief but fierce firefight, killing two insurgents while others fled the scene”.
Reports indicated that among items recovered from the operation were two AK-47 rifles, several loaded magazines, a motorcycle, and materials intended for constructing IEDs.
Additionally, some tools used to cut through tarred roads, typically employed to conceal explosives beneath the surface, were also discovered around the crime scene.
According to the source, the swift and precise response by the troops not only averted a potential attack on both military and civilian vehicles, but also secured a critical supply route frequently targeted by insurgents.
The source confirmed that following the successful operation, troops have intensified patrols and route clearance missions across the general area to forestall further attempts by the terrorists.
