Troops identify neutralised Boko Haram fighter as top bomb maker

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have uncovered the identity of a neutralised Boko Haram fighter identified as a key improvised explosive device (IED) expert and trainer in the North-East theatre of operations.

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The fighter, earlier neutralised during an ambush operation along a border axis, was later identified as Habba Umar, also known by the alias “Bomma”.

He was reportedly discovered to be a specialist in IED and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) fabrication, with links to terrorist elements of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), according to security analyst Zagazola Makama. 

According to the sources, the suspect was believed to have operated within an enclave around Arena Wuje and allegedly played a key role in training and coordinating explosive device activities for the group.

Intelligence further indicated that he had suspected links to previous IED incidents along the Marte–Dikwa axis and parts of the Lake Chad basin corridor, although investigations are ongoing to fully establish the extent of his involvement.

The sources added that troops recovered items and electronic devices from the scene of the ambush, which are currently undergoing intelligence exploitation to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

Military authorities said operations in the general area remain ongoing, with troops sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and their support networks across the theatre.