PHOTOS: Troops uncover IED on Borno highway, arrest suspected terror logistics suppliers

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have uncovered and neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along the Damboa–Komala road in Borno State and arrested two suspected logistics suppliers linked to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists operating around Kirawa in Gwoza Local Government Area.

The Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, noting that the successes were recorded during separate operations carried out between December 17 and 19, 2025.

According to the statement, the operations were conducted under Operations Desert Sanity IV and V.

“In one operation, troops of 25 Brigade, while conducting a Main Supply Route patrol along the Damboa–Komala axis on December 17, 2025, discovered an IED,” Sani said.

He explained that the device was safely secured and subsequently detonated by the troops, preventing potential harm to military personnel and civilians using the route.

In another operation based on credible intelligence, troops deployed at a checkpoint along the Maiduguri–Bama Road intercepted a Lagos-registered vehicle with registration number AKD 244 YE on December 19, 2025.

Sani said the vehicle was found conveying large quantities of food items and energy drinks suspected to be logistics supplies meant for Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters operating in Kirawa Ward of Gwoza Local Government Area.

“Two suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. Items recovered include assorted food items and energy drinks, three mobile phones, an identity card, a ring, as well as cash in both Naira and CFA,” he said.

The suspects, along with the vehicle and recovered items, have been handed over to the appropriate military intelligence unit for further investigation and necessary action.

Lt. Col. Sani added that the military high command commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, urging them to sustain the tempo of ongoing operations.

“The Nigerian military remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action, disrupting their logistics networks, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens in the North East,” he said.

The latest development comes less than 24 hours after the army announced the interception of two pick-up vans suspected to be conveying logistics supplies to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State.

According to Sani, that operation followed credible human intelligence indicating the movement of the items from Dapchi in Yobe State towards the Magumeri area of Borno State. Troops were tactically deployed and successfully intercepted the vehicles along the identified route.

Items recovered during the earlier operation included two civilian vehicles, 31 spare tyres, 23 spare rims, two bicycles, 12 ignition key starters, three alternators, bags of flour and charcoal, tubers of yam, garri, blankets, assorted adult and children’s clothing, mobile phones, a power bank and cash of various denominations.

He said the drivers of the vehicles, along with the recovered items, were taken into military custody for further interrogation to determine their level of involvement and to support ongoing counter-terrorism investigations.