Troops Escape Unhurt as MRAP Hits Terrorists’ IED in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai escaped unhurt after a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle struck a concealed Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a patrol and civilian escort mission in Borno State.

The incident was disclosed in a post shared on X on Tuesday night by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who said the explosion occurred at about 8:50 a.m. on Monday in the Bulabulin general area of the state.

According to the report, troops of the 19 Battalion (Motorised) and the 25 Task Force Brigade Garrison were conducting a major supply route dominance patrol while escorting civilians when the lead MRAP vehicle ran over an IED allegedly planted by terrorists.

The explosion damaged the front tyres of the armoured vehicle, but no soldier sustained injuries during the incident.

Following the blast, reinforcement troops were immediately deployed to the area to secure the location and provide support for the patrol team while efforts were made to restore mobility.

Makama stated that the damaged tyres were later replaced, enabling the troops to continue both the patrol and civilian escort operation without further disruption.

“The damaged tyres were later replaced, allowing the troops to continue their patrol and escort mission without further incident,” he wrote.

The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by improvised explosive devices deployed by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters against security personnel operating in the North-East.

Insurgents have continued to rely on roadside bombs and concealed explosives to target military patrols, ambush security convoys and disrupt movement along major supply routes across Borno and neighbouring states.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that IED attacks remain one of the deadliest tactics employed by terrorist groups in the region because they are capable of inflicting casualties, damaging military equipment and slowing counter-insurgency operations.

Despite the latest incident, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have sustained offensive operations against insurgent groups across the North-East, with security forces continuing patrols, clearance operations and civilian escort missions aimed at improving safety and maintaining access to communities affected by insurgency.