Nigerian Army troops serving in the military’s Operation Hadin Kai alongside Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have deactivated 56 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) discovered on a bridge on the Marte-Dikwa road in Borno State.

The explosives, according to a Facebook post by the Nigerian Army, were believed to be planted by Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa ( ISWAP) insurgents.

The army said the explosives were discovered during a targeted clearance operation led by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams from the Forward Operating Bases in Marte and Dikwa.

“So far, a total of 56 fully prepared IEDs have been safely recovered from the location,” it posted. “Controlled procedures are currently underway to render the remaining devices safe for complete recovery and disposal.”

The army said, “This successful operation has prevented a potentially catastrophic attack.”

It emphasised the vigilance, expertise, and commitment of Nigerian troops in safeguarding key infrastructure and civilian lives in the North-east.

The areas where these explosives were recovered have been targeted in the last weeks by ISWAP insurgents who ambushed some military bases. Although the air component of Operation Hadin Kai killed scores of the terrorists, they killed many soldiers and carted away weapons.

The military offensives have forced them, especially Boko Haram fighters, to switch to guerrilla warfare, taking troops by surprise and targeting civilians with IEDs.

At least 34 people have been killed by IEDs planted by terrorists since the beginning of this year.

PT