The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has reportedly suffered a major operational setback after five suspected members of the terrorist group were killed in an accidental explosion while assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Borno State.
The incident reportedly occurred in Maina Daya Village in Marte Local Government Area, located between Sabon Tumbu and Jubilaram, approximately 29 kilometres east of Monguno.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, those killed included an individual identified as Usman Dan Fulani, believed to be an ISWAP medical officer, alongside two foreign Arab nationals reportedly serving as IED technicians and two other suspected bomb-making specialists.
Preliminary security findings indicate that the explosion happened while the group was preparing explosive devices intended for future attacks.
Intelligence sources believe the explosives were being assembled for deployment along strategic military supply routes within Sector 1 of Operation HADIN KAI, one of the military’s key counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East.
Security officials say the loss of the suspected bomb experts could significantly affect ISWAP’s ability to manufacture explosive devices and temporarily reduce the group’s capacity to launch roadside IED attacks, particularly along the Marte–Monguno corridor.
Following the incident, military authorities reportedly ordered intensified security operations across Marte, Monguno, and Gamboru Ngala, directing troops to increase patrols, conduct cordon-and-search missions, and sustain offensive operations aimed at preventing the insurgents from reorganising.
Security agencies are continuing investigations to verify the circumstances surrounding the explosion while maintaining pressure on terrorist hideouts across the region.
