At least seven terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were killed in a deadly explosion while attempting to assemble improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Borno State on December 30, 2024. The blast occurred between Ba’anfani and Koleram, located in the volatile Lake Chad Basin region, which is a known hotspot for ISWAP insurgent activity.
Security expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the incident, stating that the terrorists were likely preparing the IEDs for use in future attacks aimed at intensifying their campaign of terror in the region. The use of IEDs has become a common and deadly tactic employed by ISWAP militants in their ongoing insurgency.
The explosion marks a significant blow to ISWAP’s operations in the area, as the terrorists were likely targeting civilians and security forces with the IEDs. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, where ISWAP continues to pose a significant threat.