Troops foil terrorist attack, recover dozens of IEDs, weapons in North-East offensive.

Troops under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have intercepted a large cache of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and neutralised several Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during recent offensive operations across Borno State.

According to a statement issued by Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Theatre Command, the troops carried out a series of coordinated operations targeting terrorist strongholds in Marte, Dikwa, Gubio, Ngala, and Mafa local government areas.

According to the statement, the most critical find came on July 3, when troops operating around the Marte–Dikwa axis discovered approximately 60 heavily primed IEDs strategically hidden near a bridge linking the two towns.

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It added that the devices, believed to have been planted to sabotage national infrastructure and cause mass casualties, were recovered before they could be detonated.

Military authorities say the timely discovery averted what could have been a major tragedy in the volatile North East region..

“In a separate operation in Fulatari, Gubio LGA, troops conducting a fighting patrol captured a terrorist fighter and recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and a large quantity of ammunition.

“Simultaneously, another combat unit encountered insurgents in Mussini, Ngala LGA. A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the terrorists to flee in disarray.

“The troops recovered additional AK-47 rifles, several jerrycans of premium motor spirit (PMS), motorcycles, and insurgent uniforms during the pursuit”, the military reported.

It further added that in south in the Salekwa area of Mafa LGA, another group of OPHK troops engaged terrorists in a firefight, killing several while others escaped.

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“The troops recovered more rifles, loaded magazines, and the corpse of one neutralised insurgent during their post-contact exploitation of the area”, it added.

The Theatre Command credited the success of these operations to the resilience and professionalism of the troops, aided by close air support from the Air Component of OPHK and enhanced coordination with other security agencies.

“These operations mark a renewed push to deny terrorists freedom of action and restore lasting peace to the North-East,” the military stated, adding that efforts are ongoing to clear more terrorist enclaves and secure communities for socio-economic activities to resume.

The military has commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to remain vigilant and relentless in their pursuit of peace in the region.