Troops foil IED attack by Boko Haram and ISWAP on key Borno bridge

Summary

• Nigerian Army and CJTF ambush terrorists attempting to plant explosives on the Marte–Dikwa bridge
• Over 60 improvised explosive devices recovered in July as part of intensified counter-terrorism operations
• Arms, ammunition, and motorcycles seized in separate encounters across Borno State

Borno State, Nigeria – Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), successfully disrupted an attempt by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on a vital bridge along the Marte–Dikwa road in Borno State on 29 July 2025.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of the morning at around 2:01 a.m., followed actionable intelligence on insurgent movements. Troops laid an ambush near the target location and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower.

The assailants fled the scene, abandoning their explosives and failing to carry out their mission. Two unexploded IEDs were recovered at the scene.

This success follows a related clearance operation on 3 July in the same area, where troops discovered approximately 60 heavily primed IEDs, averting what could have been a devastating attack on critical infrastructure.

In separate operations across Borno State, troops recovered a cache of arms and logistics from fleeing terrorists. In Fulatari, Gubio Local Government Area, a suspected terrorist was apprehended with AK-47 rifles, magazines, and a significant quantity of ammunition.

In Mussini, Ngala Local Government Area, troops recovered more rifles, motorcycles, terrorist uniforms, and other materials following a gun battle. Another rifle and the remains of a neutralised insurgent were recovered in Salekwa, Mafa Local Government Area.

While PKT machine guns have been seized in previous operations, such as in January 2023 in Konduga, there was no confirmation of similar recoveries during the recent Marte–Dikwa incident. However, the Nigerian Army noted that such weaponry is consistent with what is typically recovered from Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to intensified surveillance, ambush tactics, and clearance operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and safeguarding communities in the North East. No troop casualties were reported in the latest operation.