* Six suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province were killed on Friday after an improvised explosive device detonated prematurely in Jubilaram, Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Security analyst, Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 7:00 a.m. while the group was assembling an explosive device. The cell was reportedly led by bomb expert Abu Umar, who died in the blast alongside five other militants. Three additional members sustained serious injuries.
Intelligence assessments identified the deceased as part of ISWAP’s IED-making cell operating within the Marte–Kerenoa–Wulgo axis, a known corridor for insurgent movements in the Lake Chad Basin. The explosion occurred at a manufacturing hub between Arinna Maimasallaci and Arinna Ciki, which is now believed to be temporarily non-operational.
Military sources said the loss of Abu Umar and other specialists could significantly disrupt ISWAP’s ability to produce and deploy improvised explosives along key routes in the Marte axis. The group has relied heavily on IEDs to target troops and civilians in the region.
Authorities are reportedly considering follow-up air and ground operations to exploit the disruption and further restrict insurgent movement in the area. No official statement had been released by defence headquarters as of press time.
