Nigerian troops have reportedly thwarted an alleged attempt by Boko Haram insurgents to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway in Borno State.
The incident occurred on Friday near Dalwa village, as security forces continued operations against insurgents and other criminal elements across the state.
According to a source within the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), troops received intelligence that suspected insurgents were attempting to lay explosives along the major highway.
The troops reportedly engaged the insurgents with mortar fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire and explosions from about 8 p.m. in communities along the southern axis of Maiduguri towards Damboa.
“The soldiers fired mortar rounds to disperse them, but the insurgents responded with sporadic gunfire before they were eventually dispersed,” the source said.
The insurgents reportedly fled the area following the military response, while troops continued efforts to track their movements.
Calm was later said to have returned to the affected communities.
The incident came hours after a separate attack in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, where at least 15 farmers were reportedly killed.
The Maiduguri-Damboa highway is a major route linking Maiduguri with communities in southern Borno, making any attempt to plant roadside explosives a serious security concern for commuters and residents.
