The sources said suicide vests and other improvised explosive device (IED) components found on the suspects were recovered and safely secured by the troops.
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai reportedly killed three individuals suspected of planning suicide attacks during an intelligence-led operation along the Guduf–Pulka axis in Gwoza LGA, Borno State.
According to counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, security sources said the operation followed credible intelligence and was carried out in close collaboration with local volunteer forces, enabling troops to intercept the suspected suicide bombers before they could execute planned attacks on civilians.
The sources said suicide vests and other improvised explosive device (IED) components found on the suspects were recovered and safely secured by the troops.
According to the sources, troops also inflicted heavy casualties on terrorist escorts accompanying the suspects, forcing surviving elements to flee into the Mandara Mountains under sustained military pressure.
“During the exploitation of the area, troops recovered four AK-47 rifles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, while two motorcycles used by the terrorists were destroyed,” the sources reportedly said.
It was gathered that preliminary intelligence assessments indicated that the neutralised suspects were dispatched from the Mandara Mountains by the Ali Ngulde-led Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram, the sources added.
The report said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai had intensified efforts to detect, track and neutralise suicide bombers and other terrorist elements operating from the enclave through enhanced human intelligence, communication intercepts and other intelligence-gathering measures.
The sources further noted that the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, had continued to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and community-based volunteer groups across Borno and Yobe states to forestall attacks on soft targets.
According to the sources, public enlightenment campaigns have also been stepped up to encourage residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or persons within their communities.