Troops survive IED blast during civilian escort operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai escaped unhurt after their Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle struck a concealed improvised explosive device (IED) during a patrol and civilian escort mission in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:50 a.m. on July 27 when troops of 19 Battalion (Motorised)/25 Task Force Brigade Garrison were conducting a major supply route (MSR) dominance patrol and escorting civilians around the Bulabulin general area.
The sources said the lead MRAP encountered a concealed IED planted by terrorists, resulting in damage to its front tyres.
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However, no casualties were recorded as reinforcement troops immediately moved to the scene to secure the area and support the patrol.
The damaged tyres were subsequently replaced, allowing the patrol to resume its movement and continue the escort mission without further incident.
Military sources described the incident as another indication of the persistent threat posed by improvised explosive devices deployed by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists to target security forces and disrupt movement along key routes.
They added that despite the incident, the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational readiness while sustaining efforts to secure roads and protect civilians.