Troops neutralise two IEDs on key Borno routes

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised two improvised explosive devices planted by terrorists along major routes in Borno State.

The explosives were discovered on Tuesday, August 18, during separate route-scanning and picketing patrols conducted by troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade and 50 Task Force Battalion under Operation Desert Sanity V.

The first incident occurred at about 11:35am when troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade encountered an IED along the Dikwa-Ajiri-Maiduguri Main Supply Route, between Bakassi and Bale Junction.

According to military sources, the explosive device was covered by terrorist fire. The troops responded by suppressing the attackers and pursuing them before safely detonating the IED.

In a separate operation, troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion discovered another IED during a picketing patrol along the New Marte-Dikwa route, before Hot Sama Bridge.

The troops successfully detonated the device without recording any casualties.

Following the discoveries, the troops continued their patrols to secure the Main Supply Routes and prevent further attacks on motorists and security personnel.

The Commander of the 24 Task Force Brigade also visited the scene at about 4:35pm on Tuesday for an on-the-spot assessment.

The military said the security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and operational effectiveness.

The successful detection and neutralisation of the explosives underscore the importance of sustained route-scanning and picketing operations in protecting troops, commuters and vital supply routes from terrorist attacks in the North-East.