Troops Detonate Two IEDs Along Maiduguri-Dikwa, Marte Routes
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI under Operation DESERT SANITY V have safely detonated two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by terrorists along major routes in Borno State.
According to sources, the incidents occurred on Aug. 18 during separate picketing and route-scanning patrols conducted by troops of 24 Task Force Brigade and 50 Task Force Battalion.
The first incident occurred at about 11:35 a.m. when troops of 24 Task Force Brigade encountered an IED along the Dikwa-Ajiri-Maiduguri Main Supply Route (MSR), between Bakassi and Bale Junction.
The sources said the IED was covered by terrorist fire, prompting the troops to immediately suppress the attack and pursue the terrorists before safely detonating the explosive device.
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In a separate incident, troops of 50 Task Force Battalion on picketing patrol along the New Marte-Dikwa route encountered another IED before the Hot Sama bridge.
The troops immediately detonated the device, with no casualties recorded.
Following the incidents, the troops continued with their picketing patrols to dominate and secure the Main Supply Routes against further terrorist attacks.
The Commander, 24 Task Force Brigade, also visited the incident area for an on-the-spot assessment at about 4:35 p.m. on the same day.
The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.
The successful detection and neutralisation of the IEDs highlight the importance of sustained route-scanning and picketing patrols in protecting troops, commuters and critical supply routes against terrorist attacks in the North-East.