In a major counterinsurgency success, troops of Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai have recovered 56 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) secretly planted by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) along the strategic Marte–Dikwa bridge in Borno State.

According to military sources, the discovery was made during a clearance operation carried out by soldiers of the 24 Brigade in Dikwa. The operation was part of routine patrols aimed at securing movement routes frequently targeted by insurgents in the region.

IEDs Planted to Cripple Movement and Inflict Casualties

Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed in a statement posted Friday on X (formerly Twitter) that the IEDs had been buried in calculated positions across the bridge. The objective, according to Makama, was to cause maximum destruction by targeting both military vehicles and civilian travellers who use the route regularly.

“The explosives were placed at vital spots to trigger mass casualties and halt troop and supply movements,” Makama said. Military officials confirmed that the quick detection and disposal of the devices prevented what could have been a catastrophic attack.

Marte–Dikwa Route Remains Under Threat

The Marte–Dikwa axis is a well-documented hotspot for insurgent operations. ISWAP and affiliated groups have repeatedly launched ambushes, planted explosives, and harassed both residents and security personnel in the area.

“The region remains a flashpoint,” said a senior army officer involved in the operation. “We are maintaining pressure through aggressive clearance missions to ensure the safety of troops, humanitarian actors, and civilians.”

Officials say that the patrol not only uncovered and neutralized the explosives but also revealed possible footprints of the ISWAP cell that executed the planting. Intelligence-gathering efforts have been ramped up to trace and dismantle the network responsible.