Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted and recovered 56 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on the strategic Marte–Dikwa bridge in Borno State.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the development on Friday via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the IEDs were discovered during a clearance operation conducted by troops of the 24 Brigade in Dikwa.

Military sources revealed that the explosives were carefully planted across key sections of the bridge, which serves as a vital route connecting Marte and Dikwa in northern Borno. The placement of the devices was allegedly intended to cause mass casualties and disrupt both military logistics and civilian movement in the region.

“The troops, acting on credible intelligence, uncovered the devices before detonation. A total of 56 prepared IEDs were recovered at the scene,” one of the sources said.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was swiftly deployed to safely neutralize and remove the explosives. Images from the operation show the recovered devices laid out on the bridge, indicating the scale of the intended destruction.

The prompt action of the troops is said to have averted what could have been a devastating attack, potentially targeting both security personnel and humanitarian aid convoys operating in the area.

Security has since been tightened along the corridor, with ongoing surveillance and clearance operations to ensure the complete neutralization of any remaining threats.