An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated in Meleri Village, located in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, on Saturday, leaving one man injured.
The incident was made public by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who shared the information via his X (formerly Twitter) handle. Citing intelligence sources, Makama reported that the explosion occurred while two residents—Alhaji Sanda from the Hansari IDP Camp and 40-year-old Bulama Zarayye—were foraging for baobab tree seeds in the area.
Tragically, Zarayye stepped on the IED, which is suspected to have been planted by fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The blast caused injuries to his buttocks, right hand, and thigh.
In response, a joint security team comprising military personnel and members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit was immediately deployed to secure the area. The team cordoned off the site and conducted a thorough search, but no additional explosive devices were found.
Zarayye was promptly evacuated to the General Hospital in Damboa, where he is currently receiving medical treatment. He is said to be in stable condition.
The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by landmines and IEDs in insurgency-affected regions of the North-East, where civilians remain vulnerable while engaging in everyday activities like farming or gathering food.
