Nigeria: Police detonate explosive device planted in Borno Metropolis

On Friday 19 July, the police anti-bomb squad successfully deactivated an improvised explosive device (IED) placed near a primary healthcare center in Maiduguri. Residents discovered the IED around midnight near the Mala Kachalla General Hospital in the federal low-cost area along Baga Road. An eyewitness reported that the IED was found in time to prevent detonation. The police anti-bomb squad was promptly notified and arrived at the scene, neutralizing the device without any casualties. The eyewitness detailed that although the squad mobilized immediately, it took until approximately 3 a.m. to deactivate the device. The origin of the IED remains unknown. This incident follows the discovery of another IED planted at Zajeri Primary School, also on Baga Road, about a week prior. Additionally, it occurred a month after a series of explosions in Gwoza town resulted in thirty-six fatalities and a day after the military issued warnings about the increased use of IEDs by Boko Haram terrorists.