Troops of the Nigerian Army have discovered and safely destroyed an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Cross Kauwa–Kekeno–Monguno Main Supply Route (MSR) in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, foiling what could have been a deadly attack on security personnel and civilians.
Security sources said the explosive device was discovered at about 7:30 a.m. on Thursday by troops of the 123 Special Forces Battalion during a routine route-clearing and Main Supply Route scanning patrol at Dowoshi.
Following the discovery, the troops secured the area and requested reinforcement from the 19 Brigade Military Search Team (MST) and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit.
The EOD team subsequently arrived at the location and successfully carried out a controlled detonation of the booby-trapped IED without any casualties or damage to property.
According to the sources, no contact was established with the terrorists suspected to have planted the explosive device.
The operation prevented what could have been a devastating attack on military personnel and civilian motorists using the strategic route connecting Cross Kauwa, Kekeno and Monguno.
The sources added that troops operating in the area remain on high alert, with morale and operational effectiveness described as high as clearance and counter-IED operations continue across the North-East theatre.
