Five ISWAP Bomb Experts Killed in Premature IED Explosion in Borno

Five suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, including an alleged medical officer and four improvised explosive device (IED) specialists, have reportedly been killed in a premature explosion while assembling explosives in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at Maina Daya Village, located between Sabon Tumbu and Jubilaram, about 29 kilometres east of Monguno.

According to the sources, the explosion killed Usman Dan Fulani, described as an ISWAP medical officer, alongside two foreign Arab IED technicians and two ISWAP bomb-making experts.

The sources said the incident occurred while the terrorists were allegedly preparing improvised explosive devices for deployment, suggesting the group was planning further attacks along key military supply routes in the Sector 1 area of Operation HADIN KAI.

Security analysts believe the loss of experienced bomb-makers is a significant setback to ISWAP’s IED network and could temporarily weaken the group’s capability to carry out roadside bomb attacks in the Marte-Monguno axis.

Military sources disclosed that troops have been directed to exploit the development by intensifying patrols, cordon-and-search operations, and precision offensive actions around Monguno, Marte, and Gamboru Ngala to prevent the terrorist group from regrouping or rebuilding its IED capability.

The latest incident highlights the persistent threat posed by ISWAP’s use of improvised explosive devices, which remain one of the group’s primary tactics against military convoys and civilian traffic in the North-East.