Five suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, have been killed after an explosive device they were reportedly assembling detonated.
Among those killed were four alleged improvised explosive device (IED) specialists and a medical officer linked to the insurgent group, according to intelligence reports.
They have been identified as Usman Dan Fulani, described as an ISWAP medical officer, two foreign Arab nationals allegedly serving as IED technicians, and two other suspected bomb-making experts.
It was gathered on Tuesday that the incident happened yesterday at Maina Daya Village in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, located between Sabon Tumbu and Jubilaram, about 29 kilometres east of Monguno.
A security source aware of the incident said the blast occurred while the suspects were preparing explosives believed to have been intended for future attacks.
“The explosion reportedly occurred while the group was assembling improvised explosive devices for deployment,” the source stated.
Moreover, preliminary intelligence indicated that the insurgents were working on explosives meant for operations targeting military supply routes within the area of responsibility of Operation Hadin Kai.
Also, the security source said the deaths could affect ISWAP’s bomb-making capacity and temporarily limit its ability to carry out roadside explosive attacks, particularly along routes frequently used by troops.
Meanwhile, following the explosion, military authorities have directed troops to increase surveillance, patrols and search operations across Monguno, Marte and Gamboru Ngala areas to prevent possible regrouping by the insurgents.
The source added that security agencies are continuing efforts to confirm details of the incident while maintaining pressure on ISWAP positions and suspected hideouts across the region.