Troops foil attempt by terrorists to plant explosives along Borno highway

 Troops have foiled an attempt by Boko Haram insurgents to
plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway in
Borno state.

According to Zagazola
Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the operation triggered an
exchange of gunfire and mortar bombardment near Dalwa village on Friday
evening.

Sources told the publication that gunshots and heavy
explosions were heard from about 8pm, particularly in communities along the
southern axis of Maiduguri towards Damboa.

“The incident reportedly occurred hours after a separate
attack in Marte Local Government Area, where at least 15 farmers were said to
have been killed,” the publication said.

“A source within the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who
spoke on condition of anonymity, said troops acted on intelligence indicating
that insurgents were attempting to plant explosives along the highway.

“According to the source, the suspected insurgents were
detected while allegedly attempting to lay the explosives, prompting troops to
engage them with mortar fire.

“The soldiers fired mortar rounds to disperse them, but the
insurgents responded with sporadic gunfire before they were eventually
dispersed.”

The publication said calm had been restored to the area,
while troops continued efforts to track the fleeing insurgents.

It added that the Maiduguri-Damboa highway is an important
transport route linking Maiduguri with communities in southern Borno, making
attempts to plant roadside explosives a security concern for commuters and
residents.

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