● Five Terrorists Killed While Assembling IEDs — Military Moves To Exploit “Major Setback” For Terror Network
A catastrophic explosion has ripped through an ISWAP bomb factory in Marte Local Government Area, killing five suspected terrorists including a medical officer, two foreign Arab IED experts, and two senior bomb-making specialists.
The blast, described by security sources as a “self-inflicted catastrophe,” occurred on Tuesday at Maina Daya Village, located between Sabon Tumbu and Jubilaram, about 29 kilometres east of Monguno.
—Death In The Workshop—
Intelligence sources and security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed that the terrorists were killed while allegedly assembling Improvised Explosive Devices for planned attacks.
Killed in the explosion were:
– Usman Dan Fulani— identified as an ISWAP medical officer
– Two foreign Arab IED technicians
– Two ISWAP bomb-making experts
According to sources, the group was preparing IEDs for deployment along key military supply routes in the Sector 1 area of Operation HADIN KAI.
The premature detonation instantly ended their plot — and their lives.
—“Significant Blow” To ISWAP Operations—
Security analysts say the loss is a major hit to ISWAP’s technical capacity in the Lake Chad region.
“The death of experienced bombmakers and foreign technicians is a significant setback to ISWAP’s IED network,” a source noted.
“It could temporarily weaken the group’s capability to carry out roadside bomb attacks in the Marte-Monguno axis.”
The Marte-Monguno corridor has been a hotspot for IED attacks targeting troops, humanitarian convoys, and civilian vehicles.
—Military On The Offensive—
In response to the explosion, *troops of Operation HADIN KAI* have been ordered to move fast and exploit the gap.
Military sources disclosed directives for:
– Intensified patrols around Monguno, Marte, and Gamboru Ngala
– Cordon-and-search operations* in suspected hideouts
– Precision offensive actions to prevent ISWAP from regrouping or rebuilding its IED capability
Commanders believe the terrorists may attempt to replace the lost experts, and are moving to deny them that chance.
—What This Means—
For months, ISWAP has relied on imported expertise and local recruits to sustain its bomb campaign across Borno.
The elimination of two Arab technicians and two veteran bombmakers in one blast disrupts that pipeline — at least temporarily — and buys security forces critical time to degrade the network further.
Residents in Marte and Monguno have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movement as operations continue.
[Vanguard report rewritten]
