Nigerian military troops on patrol
Nigerian Army troops have prevented a suspected Boko Haram attack after intercepting insurgents allegedly attempting to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway in Borno State.
The operation took place near Dalwa village on Friday evening after troops received intelligence about the movement of suspected insurgents along the major route.
Security sources said the intervention led to an exchange of gunfire and mortar bombardment as troops moved to stop the planned attack, causing temporary tension in some communities around Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Residents in areas along the southern part of the city reported hearing gunshots and heavy explosions from about 8 p.m., especially communities connected to the Maiduguri-Damboa axis.
A source from the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) said troops acted swiftly after receiving information that Boko Haram fighters were attempting to place explosives on the highway.
According to the source, the suspected insurgents were engaged by troops while carrying out the operation.
“The soldiers fired mortar rounds to disperse them, but the insurgents responded with sporadic gunfire before they were eventually dispersed,” the source said.
The source added that normalcy had returned to the area, while security forces continued efforts to locate the fleeing insurgents and prevent further threats.
The Maiduguri-Damboa highway remains a major transport route connecting Maiduguri with communities in southern Borno. Security agencies have continued to pay close attention to the route because of previous attacks and attempts by insurgents to target commuters and travellers.
The latest operation highlights the importance of intelligence gathering and quick response by security forces in preventing attacks and protecting civilians in communities affected by years of insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.
