Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
MAIDUGURI — Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have dismantled a potential massacre after discovering an improvised explosive device planted behind a camp for displaced families, military sources have confirmed.
The explosive, found along a route near the Internally Displaced Persons camp at Ladari, was believed to have been positioned to target military reinforcement teams and vehicles.
Bomb disposal experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit carried out a controlled detonation at the scene. No casualties were reported.
In a separate recovery operation along the Ladari riverbanks, troops conducting so-called “strangulation” patrols uncovered a hidden stash of weaponry.
The haul included a Browning pistol, a locally fabricated handgun, 26 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and seven cartridges.
Teen Held In Gubio
In a further breakthrough, troops from Sector 3 working alongside Civilian Joint Task Force operatives arrested a 15-year-old suspect, named as Umar Zacharria, in Gubio town.
Intelligence suggests the teenager had been actively involved in terrorist operations along the Kareto corridor, where motorists have been systematically targeted in recent months.
He remains in military custody as investigations continue.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, said the operations formed part of ongoing offensives under the codenames Operation DESERT SANITY and VIGILANT SIEGE.
“These coordinated operations underscore the sustained pressure being mounted on the terrorists to deny them any freedom of action across the theatre,” he said in a statement released today.
The Military High Command has praised troops for their “utmost professionalism, resilience, and dedication,” urging them to maintain the current momentum in the interest of security and economic stability across the North East.
Authorities have reassured the public of their commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace to the region.
