Six suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have died after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) they were allegedly assembling detonated prematurely in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident was contained in a post shared on X on Saturday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who cited security sources.
According to the report, the explosion occurred at about 7:00 a.m. on May 16, 2026, in Jubilaram, where the suspected militants were reportedly working on an explosive device.
The group was reportedly led by a suspected bomb expert identified as Abu Umar, who also died in the blast alongside five other fighters. Three other members of the group were said to have sustained serious injuries.
Security sources said the deceased suspects were part of an ISWAP bomb-making cell operating within the Marte–Kerenoa–Wulgo axis in the Lake Chad region.
“The explosion reportedly occurred while the device was being assembled, leading to a sudden detonation that destroyed their location and killed those inside,” Makama wrote.
Intelligence reports also suggest that the blast may have severely affected an ISWAP improvised explosive device manufacturing site located between Arinna Maimasallaci and Arinna Ciki.
Security sources added that the development could weaken the group’s ability to carry out roadside bomb attacks in the area.
Authorities are reportedly considering further security operations to take advantage of the setback and clear remaining insurgent elements within the axis.
