Five suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including two foreign bomb specialists and a medical officer, were killed after an improvised explosive device detonated while they were allegedly assembling explosives in Borno State, according to intelligence and military sources.
The blast, which reportedly occurred at Maina Daya village in Marte Local Government Area, has dealt a temporary blow to one of the insurgent group’s specialised bomb-making units, security sources said, even as troops were ordered to step up operations to stop surviving fighters from reorganising.
Intelligence sources, including security analyst Zagazola Makama, said the explosion happened between Sabon Tumbu and Jubilaram, about 29 kilometres east of Monguno Local Government Area.
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According to the sources, those killed included Usman Dan Fulani, identified as an ISWAP medical officer, two foreign Arab improvised explosive device technicians and two other bomb-making specialists linked to the group.
The sources said the explosion occurred while the suspects were preparing improvised explosive devices believed to have been intended for future attacks along military supply routes within the Sector 1 area of Operation HADIN KAI.
If confirmed, the incident would represent one of the most significant self-inflicted losses suffered by the group’s explosives unit in recent months. ISWAP has relied heavily on roadside bombs to target troops, military convoys, and civilian traffic across parts of Borno and neighbouring states, making experienced bomb technicians a key component of its operations.
Military sources said commanders of Operation HADIN KAI had directed troops to take advantage of the development by expanding patrols and launching fresh cordon-and-search operations across Monguno, Marte, and Gamboru Ngala.
The sources said the operations are aimed at locating other insurgents in the area with a view to recovering any remaining explosive materials and preventing the group from restoring its bomb-making network.
The latest development comes as Nigerian troops continue sustained operations against insurgent groups operating around the Lake Chad basin. While military offensives have forced many fighters from established camps over the years, both ISWAP and Boko Haram have retained the capacity to stage attacks through mobile cells, ambushes, and improvised explosive devices.
Roadside bombs have now become one of the deadliest threats facing soldiers and civilians in the North-East. Military convoys travelling through remote communities have repeatedly come under attack, while explosive devices planted on highways have also claimed civilian lives.
As of the time the incident was reported, there was no official statement from the Defence Headquarters or Operation HADIN KAI confirming the identities of those killed or providing further operational details. The available information remains based on intelligence and military sources familiar with developments in the area.
