JUST IN: How Troops Save Lives, With Shocking Discovery Under Lifeline Bridge in Borno

In a major security breakthrough on Friday, July 4, 2025, Nigerian military forces under Operation Hadin Kai have uncovered a deadly cache of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) concealed beneath a critical bridge connecting the towns of Marte and Dikwa in Borno State.

According to its official Facebook page, the devices, believed to have been planted by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operatives, posed a significant threat to both military and civilian movement in the volatile northeastern region.

The Nigerian Army announced the discovery in a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Friday.

According to the report, specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams were deployed from both the Marte and Dikwa Forward Operating Bases.

This was to conduct a targeted clearance operation that led to the recovery of 56 fully assembled IEDs.

Additional explosive devices were still being rendered safe as part of ongoing recovery and disposal efforts.

“Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), uncovered a significant cache of IEDs emplaced by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on the strategic bridge linking Marte and Dikwa,” the statement read.

“The EOD teams carried out a meticulous search and recovery operation, successfully defusing and retrieving the devices under strict safety protocols.”

The military emphasized that the successful operation may have averted what could have been a devastating attack targeting military convoys, local commuters, and critical national infrastructure.

The bridge is a vital transit route for both military logistics and humanitarian aid, as well as for thousands of civilians displaced by the region’s ongoing insurgency.

“This timely intervention has prevented a potentially catastrophic incident and underscores the vigilance, expertise, and dedication of Nigerian troops in securing key infrastructure and protecting civilian lives,” the army noted.

This recent operation comes amid a troubling series of attacks that have plagued Borno’s highways in recent months.

PUNCH Online previously reported several deadly explosions along major routes, leading to the deaths of many innocent travelers.

These incidents have highlighted the growing use of roadside bombs by insurgent groups aiming to disrupt security operations and instill fear among local populations.

Security analysts have long warned about the strategic importance of infrastructure like bridges and highways in the broader context of the insurgency.

By targeting such choke points, terrorist factions aim to weaken military mobility, obstruct humanitarian access, and tighten their grip on surrounding rural communities.

The discovery of over 50 live IEDs in a single location reflects both the persistence of the threat and the increasing sophistication of terror tactics in the region.

Experts suggest that the sheer number of devices planted under a single structure may indicate preparations for a large-scale, coordinated attack.

According to them, it was possibly timed to coincide with military patrols or a surge in civilian traffic.

Despite the persistent threat, the Nigerian military has maintained an aggressive posture against Boko Haram and ISWAP in recent months.

Operation Hadin Kai has intensified ground and aerial campaigns across Borno and neighbouring states.

It has disrupted insurgent strongholds and recovering arms and ammunition from captured locations.

Collaborative efforts with local vigilante groups like the CJTF have also enhanced intelligence gathering and community engagement—two critical components in the ongoing counterinsurgency.

Local residents, many of whom rely on the Marte–Dikwa route for daily movement and trade, have expressed relief over the military’s discovery.

“We thank the soldiers for their bravery,” said a local trader who requested anonymity.

“If they had not found those bombs, many lives would have been lost.

“That bridge is our lifeline.”

As recovery operations continue, the military has urged civilians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity in their communities.

The Nigerian Army also reiterated its commitment to maintaining pressure on insurgent groups and ensuring the safety of all citizens in the North East.

While the road to lasting peace remains long and arduous, moments like this offer a glimpse of hope, and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices being made daily to secure Nigeria’s future.

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