The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has suffered a significant setback after five of its members, including four suspected bomb-making specialists and a medical operative, were killed during a failed explosives operation in Borno State.
The incident reportedly occurred when an improvised explosive device (IED) they were assembling detonated prematurely, killing the operatives instantly.
According to security sources, the explosion happened at one of the group’s hideouts in the Lake Chad region, a known stronghold of ISWAP.
The blast also left several other insurgents seriously injured, dealing a heavy blow to the group’s capacity to manufacture and deploy explosive devices in future attacks.
The loss of the bomb experts is seen as a major operational setback for the terrorist group, as they played a crucial role in producing improvised explosive devices used in attacks against security forces and civilians.
Security analysts believe the incident could temporarily weaken ISWAP’s operational capabilities in the North-East.
The development comes as Nigerian troops continue sustained counter-insurgency operations across Borno and other parts of the North-East.
Military authorities have intensified offensives against terrorist enclaves, leading to the elimination of several fighters, destruction of camps, and the recovery of weapons in ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the region.