Troops foil IED attack, arrest Boko Haram logistics suspects in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have uncovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along the Damboa–Komala road in Borno State and arrested two men suspected to be logistics suppliers to Boko Haram terrorists operating around Kirawa in Gwoza Local Government Area.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.

He said the successes were recorded during separate operations carried out between December 17 and 19, following sustained patrols and intelligence-led actions by the troops.

According to Uba, the discovery of the IED helped prevent a possible attack on motorists and residents using the road, while the arrest of the suspects is expected to disrupt the supply network of the terrorists in the area.

He added that operations across the theatre remain ongoing, assuring residents that the military will continue to intensify efforts to protect lives and restore peace in the North-East.

The statement reads, “Troops of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, under Operations Desert Sanity IV and V, have recorded further operational successes with the discovery and neutralisation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and the arrest of suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno State.”

Providing details of the operations, Sani said “in one operation, troops of 25 Brigade, while conducting a Main Supply Route (MSR) patrol along the Damboa–Komala axis, discovered an IED on 17 December 2025.”

The device, according to him, was promptly secured and successfully detonated by the troops, ensuring the safety of troops and commuters along the route.

On the second operation, he said “in a separate operation based on credible intelligence, troops of OPHK deployed at a checkpoint along the Maiduguri–Bama Road intercepted and arrested a Lagos-registered vehicle with plate number AKD 244 YE on 19 December 2025.”

He stated that the vehicle was conveying large quantities of food items and energy drinks, suspected to be logistics supplies intended for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists operating around Kirawa Ward, Gwoza Local Government Area.

“Two suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. Items recovered include assorted food items and energy drinks, three mobile phones, an identity card, a ring, several sum of cash in Naira and CFA.

“The suspects, vehicle, and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate military intelligence unit for further investigation and necessary action,” he added.

Sani said the military high command commended the troops for their impressive efforts and urged them to sustain the operational tempo.

“The Nigerian military remains resolute in its commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action, disrupting their logistics networks, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens in the North East,” he assured.

This is coming less than 24 hours after the army announced that it intercepted two pick-up vans suspected to be conveying logistics supplies to Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists operating in the state.

According to the Media and Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, many items were recovered, including two civilian vehicles, 31 spare tyres, 23 spare rims, two bicycles, 12 ignition key starters, three alternators, two bags of flour, one mattress, five bags of charcoal, 34 tubers of yam, two blankets, two nylons of garri, assorted adult and children’s clothing, one power bank, six mobile phones, and some cash of different denominations.

Sani said the operation was conducted following credible human intelligence, which alerted the operation’s headquarters to the movement of the items from Dapchi in Yobe State towards the Magumeri general area of Borno State.

“Acting promptly on the intelligence, troops deployed tactically and intercepted the vehicles along the identified route.”

“Items recovered during the operation include two civilian vehicles, 31 spare tyres, 23 spare rims, two bicycles, 12 ignition key starters, three alternators, two bags of flour, one mattress, five bags of charcoal, 34 tubers of yam, two blankets, two nylons of garri, assorted adult and children clothing, one power bank, six mobile phones, and some cash of different denomination,” he said.

He, however, stated that the drivers conveying the items, along with the recovered materials, were taken into military custody for further interrogation to determine the extent of their involvement and to support ongoing counter-terrorism investigations.

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