Troops of Operation HADIN KAI ave thwarted suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activities and neutralised three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along major routes in Borno State in separate operations.

The operations, conducted across Gwoza, Dikwa and Damboa axes, drew attention to the continuing efforts by the military to deny terrorists freedom of movement and prevent attacks on troops, commuters and civilians in the state.

On Oct. 2, the troops engaged a suspected ISWAP reconnaissance team along the Molai-Damboa main supply route in Damboa Local Government Area.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops engaged the suspected terrorists, forcing them to retreat from the area.

In another operation the following day, troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Garrison, discovered an IED along the Gwoza-Wala-Warabe-Pulka route in Gwoza Local Government Area.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was immediately deployed and safely detonated the device in situ, preventing a potential threat to road users and troops operating along the route.

Also on Oct. 3, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, Garrison, discovered another IED near Bale village along the Dikwa-Ajiri main supply route.

The EOD team subsequently safely detonated the device in situ.

A third explosive device was discovered later that day by troops following information about a suspected IED planted in a farm along the Pulka-Gwoza road.

The EOD team located and safely detonated the pressure-plate IED without casualties.

The series of operations occurred within a 24-hour period and involved major routes linking communities across the northern and central parts of Borno.

The repeated discovery of explosive devices along key routes suggests an attempt by terrorists to restrict movement, disrupt logistics and endanger security forces and civilians using the roads.

Military sources said the successful detection and neutralisation of the devices demonstrated the importance of sustained route-clearance operations, intelligence gathering and vigilance by troops and local residents.

The military has continued to intensify operations across Borno to disrupt terrorist movements, deny them access to strategic routes and protect communities affected by the insurgency. (Zagazola)