ISWAP suffers major blow as five bomb experts die during failed operation in Borno

Five suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, including four alleged bomb-making specialists and a medical officer, have reportedly died after an improvised explosive device, IED, exploded while they were assembling it in Borno State.

The incident was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, the explosion occurred at Maina Daya Village in Marte Local Government Area, situated between Sabon Tumbu and Jubilaram, about 29 kilometres east of Monguno.

Makama reported that those killed included Usman Dan Fulani, who was identified as an ISWAP medical officer, alongside two foreign Arab nationals said to be IED technicians and two other suspected ISWAP bomb-making experts.

“The explosion reportedly occurred while the group was assembling improvised explosive devices for deployment,” the report stated.

According to the report, preliminary intelligence suggested the suspected terrorists were preparing explosives for attacks along key military supply routes within the Sector 1 area of Operation HADIN KAI.

Security sources, according to Makama, believe the deaths could disrupt ISWAP’s bomb-making operations and temporarily weaken the group’s ability to carry out roadside IED attacks in the Marte–Monguno axis.

The report further stated that military authorities have directed troops to intensify patrols, cordon-and-search operations and offensive missions across Monguno, Marte and Gamboru Ngala to prevent the group from regrouping or rebuilding its operational capability.

Makama added that security operations remain ongoing across the area as authorities continue efforts to verify the incident and intensify pressure on insurgent hideouts.