Troops of the Nigerian Army have thwarted an attempted attack by Boko Haram terrorists who were trying to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on a strategic bridge along the Dikwa–Marte road in Borno State.
The interception followed a fierce gun battle, during which the terrorists were forced to flee, abandoning two heavy IEDs at the scene. The operation is part of the ongoing counterinsurgency efforts under Operation Hadin Kai, aimed at rooting out terrorist elements from the Northeast.
Revealing details of the encounter, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsallam Abubakar, said troops on a clearance patrol clashed with the insurgents in the early hours of the operation.
“Our troops confronted Boko Haram elements attempting to plant mines on a bridge along Dikwa-Marte. The troops engaged them immediately, recovered the IEDs, and forced the terrorists to retreat,” said Maj. Gen. Abubakar.
He added that the troops have intensified operations across major terrorist strongholds including the Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad fringes, and the Mandara Mountains, where several hideouts have been dismantled in the past week.
“We’ve taken the battle deep into enemy territory. There is growing stability around Lake Chad, and we are pushing the terrorists further into retreat. Our troops remain highly motivated,” he affirmed.
In a broader sweep across Bama, Gwoza, and Konduga Local Government Areas, nine terrorists were neutralized, and a cache of weapons—including AK-47 rifles and PKT machine guns—was recovered.
Joint forces comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force are conducting simultaneous operations. While ground troops press forward, the air force continues to provide precision air strikes, and the navy secures strategic waterways along Lake Chad.
Major General Abubakar stressed that the military is committed to ensuring that no liberated community falls back into insurgent hands.
“We are determined to ensure these terrorists don’t regroup. All cleared communities will remain secure under the protection of our forces,” he added.
The recent success signals growing momentum in Nigeria’s battle against insurgency, reinforcing the military’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the Northeast.
