Combined troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a terrorist ambush following the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Damboa–Kumala road in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1 p.m. on July 4 while troops of the 19 Battalion (Mechanised), 25 Brigade Garrison, accompanied by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were escorting a convoy of 63 civilian vehicles to Kumala.

According to the sources, the convoy struck an IED on the Main Supply Route between Damboa, Bulabulin and Kumala. Moments after the blast, suspected terrorists launched an attack approximately two kilometres from the scene of the explosion.

The troops reportedly engaged the attackers with sustained firepower, overpowering them and forcing them to withdraw.

Despite the explosion damaging the tyres of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, no military personnel or civilians in the convoy were injured.

The damaged tyres were replaced at the location before the troops resumed the operation. They subsequently escorted 71 civilian vehicles safely from Kumala back to Damboa.

Military sources said the operation reflects the resolve of Operation HADIN KAI to maintain security along key supply routes and guarantee the safe movement of civilians despite ongoing terrorist activities in the North-East.