Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, have prevented a planned suicide attack in Borno State by neutralizing three suicide bombers in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The operation followed intelligence reports indicating that the bombers were moving toward civilian locations along the Guduf–Pulka axis.
Acting on the information on Thursday, troops working with local volunteer forces conducted surveillance and tracking operations to intercept the attackers before they reached populated areas.
Military sources said the suicide bombers were engaged and neutralized in a controlled encounter, averting potential mass civilian casualties.
The troops also confronted armed escorts accompanying the bombers, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the surviving fighters to retreat toward the Mandara Mountains.
During the operation, soldiers recovered suicide vests and other improvised explosive device components, which were later secured and safely neutralized by explosive ordnance disposal teams.
Further search of the area led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, while two motorcycles used for movement and logistics were destroyed.
Preliminary intelligence linked the attack plot to the Ali Ngulde-led Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad faction operating from hideouts in the Mandara Mountains.
The military said the group has continued attempts to deploy suicide bombers against soft targets despite sustained pressure from ongoing operations.
In response, Operation Hadin Kai has intensified patrols and clearance operations across known terrorist enclaves in Borno and neighboring areas.
The Theatre Command also said collaboration with other security agencies and community volunteer groups has been strengthened to improve early detection and response.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements as the military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and degrading terrorist networks across the North East.
