The Nigerian Army on Friday announced that troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully thwarted an attempt by terrorists to detonate explosives on the Marte-Dikwa bridge in Borno State.
According to the military high command, troops uncovered and recovered 60 heavily primed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted at the base of the bridge, aimed at destroying the structure and killing unsuspecting road users.
In a statement released by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the Army disclosed that the troops also killed one terrorist and recovered assorted weapons during coordinated offensive operations in the region.
Captain Kovangiya stated that the operations were part of renewed efforts to deny Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists freedom of movement and to restore peace in the North-East.
“On July 3, 2025, troops conducting operations around the Marte and Dikwa general areas discovered a large cache of IEDs at a bridge linking both towns, believed to have been planted by terrorists to cause mass casualties and destroy critical national infrastructure,” the statement read. “The timely recovery averted a major disaster.”
In another operation, troops on a fighting patrol in Fulatari, Gubio Local Government Area, captured a terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle with a magazine and a large quantity of ammunition. Similarly, troops operating around Mussini in Ngala Local Government Area engaged terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to flee. Weapons, motorcycles, jerrycans of fuel, and terrorist uniforms were recovered during the pursuit.
At Salekwa, in Mafa Local Government Area, troops also made contact with insurgents during offensive operations, neutralizing several fighters. Further searches in the area led to the recovery of additional AK-47 rifles, magazines, and the body of one neutralized terrorist.
Captain Kovangiya noted that the troops have continued to operate in high spirits and have received commendation from the Military High Command. He added that ongoing operations, supported by the Air Component Command of Operation Hadin Kai and in collaboration with other security agencies, aim to improve security and enable socio-economic development in the region.
