Nigerian troops have foiled an attempt by suspected Boko Haram insurgents to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway in Borno.
The operation reportedly triggered an exchange of gunfire and mortar bombardment near Dalwa village on Friday evening, causing panic among residents in parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Sources said sounds of gunfire and heavy explosions were heard from about 8 p.m., particularly in communities along the southern axis of the city towards Damboa.
The incident reportedly occurred hours after a separate attack in Marte Local Government Area, where at least 15 farmers were said to have been killed.
A source within the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said troops acted on intelligence indicating that insurgents were attempting to plant explosives along the highway.
According to the source, the suspected insurgents were detected while allegedly attempting to lay the explosives, prompting troops to engage them with mortar fire.
“The soldiers fired mortar rounds to disperse them, but the insurgents responded with sporadic gunfire before they were eventually dispersed,” the source said.
The source added that calm had been restored to the general area, while troops continued efforts to track the fleeing insurgents.
The Maiduguri-Damboa highway is an important transport route linking Maiduguri with communities in southern Borno, making attempts to plant roadside explosives a significant security concern for commuters and residents.-By Zagazola Makama
