Seven ISWAP terrorists killed in accidental explosion while preparing IEDs

Seven ISWAP terrorists died in Borno State while preparing IEDs, highlighting dangers within their insurgency operations in Lake Chad Basin.

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]t least seven terrorists belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed in an accidental explosion while attempting to assemble improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The incident occurred on December 30, 2024, in a locality between Ba’anfani and Koleram in the Lake Chad Basin area of Borno State, according to Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency expert specialising in the region.

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Makama shared the information via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, citing reliable sources who confirmed the development.

“The explosion occurred while the terrorists were assembling IEDs, resulting in the deaths of seven ISWAP operatives,” Makama disclosed.

This incident underscores the internal risks faced by terrorist groups as they continue their insurgency operations in the Lake Chad region.

The area has remained a hotspot for ISWAP activities, despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts by regional security forces.

Makama’s report adds to growing evidence of setbacks within the ranks of ISWAP, as they face both operational challenges and sustained military pressure in the region.

While the Nigerian government has intensified efforts to combat terrorism, accidental incidents like this highlight the dangers of the insurgents’ operations and the precarious nature of their activities.

Quadri Olaitan