Troops foil attempt by terrorists to plant explosives along Borno highway

Troops have foiled an attempt by Boko Haram insurgents to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway in Borno state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the operation triggered an exchange of gunfire and mortar bombardment near Dalwa village on Friday evening.

Sources told the publication that gunshots and heavy explosions were heard from about 8pm, particularly in communities along the southern axis of Maiduguri towards Damboa.

“The incident reportedly occurred hours after a separate attack in Marte Local Government Area, where at least 15 farmers were said to have been killed,” the publication said.

“A source within the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said troops acted on intelligence indicating that insurgents were attempting to plant explosives along the highway.

“According to the source, the suspected insurgents were detected while allegedly attempting to lay the explosives, prompting troops to engage them with mortar fire.

“The soldiers fired mortar rounds to disperse them, but the insurgents responded with sporadic gunfire before they were eventually dispersed.”

The publication said calm had been restored to the area, while troops continued efforts to track the fleeing insurgents.

It added that the Maiduguri-Damboa highway is an important transport route linking Maiduguri with communities in southern Borno, making attempts to plant roadside explosives a security concern for commuters and residents.