Troops foil ambush after IED attack in Borno

Combined troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a terrorist ambush after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated along the Damboa–Kumala road in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1 pm on Friday, July 4, while troops from 19 Battalion (Mechanised), 25 Brigade Garrison, supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were escorting 63 civilian vehicles to Kumala.

The sources said the convoy hit an IED on the main supply route between Damboa, Bulabulin and Kumala. Moments after the blast, suspected terrorists launched an ambush about two kilometres away from the explosion site.

The troops quickly returned fire and overpowered the attackers, forcing them to withdraw.

Although the explosion damaged the tyres of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, no soldiers or civilians were injured.

“The damaged tyres were replaced at the scene, after which the troops completed the mission and safely escorted 71 civilian vehicles on the return journey from Kumala to Damboa,” the sources added.

Military sources said the successful operation demonstrated the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI troops to keeping key supply routes open and ensuring civilians can travel safely despite ongoing terrorist threats in north-east Nigeria.