Troops foil ISWAP plot, recover dozens of IEDs from major Borno bridge

Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully recovered 56 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) believed to have been planted under a bridge by fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), along the Marte–Dikwa bridge in Borno State.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Nigerian Army on Friday.

It reads : “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in conjunction with members of the CJTF have uncovered a significant cache of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) emplaced by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on the strategic bridge linking Marte and Dikwa in Borno State. The discovery was made by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams deployed from both Marte and Dikwa Forward Operating Bases during a targeted clearance operation.

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

“This successful operation has prevented a potentially catastrophic attack and reaffirms the vigilance, expertise, and commitment of Nigerian troops in safeguarding key infrastructure and civilian lives within the North East theatre.£

A source familiar with the operation said the explosives had been “strategically placed on the bridge by terrorists with the intention of causing mass casualties and disrupting military and civilian movement along the route.”

The recovery of the devices is seen as a significant intervention in preventing what could have been a devastating attack on both security forces and civilians using the strategic corridor.