Nigerian troops have averted what could have been a deadly attack after discovering and destroying two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the Gwoza-Wala Road in Borno State.
The explosives were uncovered by troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison during a routine security patrol at about 8:50 a.m. on August 2 between the Golf Bravo and Papa 2 locations on the strategic route.
Security sources said the soldiers immediately secured the area after identifying the suspicious devices and alerted an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to neutralise the threat.
The EOD specialists safely recovered the explosives before carrying out a controlled in-situ detonation, successfully destroying both IEDs without causing casualties or damage to nearby infrastructure.
Military sources said the swift operation prevented what could have been an attack targeting both security personnel and civilians using the road.
The Gwoza-Wala Road remains a critical route in Borno State, where troops continue counter-insurgency operations against terrorist groups operating in parts of the North-East.
Security officials said clearance and route-sanitisation exercises are continuing across the region to detect and remove explosive devices planted by terrorists on major highways and supply routes.
The military has urged residents and road users to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious objects or movements to security agencies as operations to improve safety across the North-East
