[SAHARAREPORTERS] Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have uncovered a massive cache of 56 fully prepared improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on the crucial Marte—Dikwa bridge in Borno State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement released on Friday, stating that the discovery was made during a targeted clearance operation.
The Nigerian Army explained that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams from the Marte and Dikwa Forward Operating Bases led the operation, which was aimed at securing key transit routes in the insurgency-hit region.
The statement read, "So far, a total of 56 fully prepared IEDs have been safely recovered from the location. Controlled procedures are currently underway to render the remaining devices safe for complete recovery and disposal.
"This successful operation has prevented a potentially catastrophic attack and reaffirms the vigilance, expertise, and commitment of Nigerian troops in safeguarding key infrastructure and civilian lives within the North East theatre."
SaharaReporters earlier reported that troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 16 fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram during a clearance operation in Damboa, Borno State.
The coordinated attack on the terrorists occurred around 1am on Thursday, targeting the Azir Bridge axis and the 25 Task Force Brigade base in Damboa.
''The main thrust of the terrorists was the brigade location in Damboa, where they attacked en masse. However, the troops responded decisively with heavy firepower, leading to a significant number of enemy casualties,'' one of the military sources was quoted as saying.
''At least 16 bodies of the terrorists were recovered after the exchange, with several others believed to have fled with gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, two soldiers paid the supreme price during the gun battle with the terrorists.'' 
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