Five suspected ISWAP bomb experts killed in explosion while assembling IEDs in Borno

No fewer than five suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including an alleged medical officer and four bomb-making specialists, were reportedly killed after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated prematurely in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources, including counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, said the incident occurred at Maina Daya Village, situated between Sabon Tumbu and Jubilaram, about 29 kilometres east of Monguno Local Government Area.

According to the sources, those killed included Usman Dan Fulani, who was identified as an ISWAP medical officer, alongside two foreign nationals described as Arab IED technicians and two other suspected 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.

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