Borno Police Defuse IED Near IDPs Camp in Abadam LGA
MUHAMMED DANBABA
The Borno State Police Command has successfully recovered and neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted near an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Mallam Fatori, the headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area. The swift operation prevented what could have been a deadly attack on vulnerable civilians in the troubled border community.
Swift Police Response Prevents Tragedy
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, the device was discovered on Monday, August 18, 2025, at about 4:30 p.m. A concerned resident alerted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Mallam Fatori after noticing suspicious activity in the area.
Acting on the report, the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, immediately ordered the deployment of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal–Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Team attached to Base 13 in Maiduguri.
The specialised team swiftly arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area in line with standard EOD safety procedures. After a thorough clearance operation, they successfully uncovered the buried device, described as “victim-operated,” and carefully evacuated it to a safe location. It was later demolished without any casualties or damage to property.
Second Bomb Recovered in Less Than 24 Hours
This incident came less than 24 hours after police operatives defused another improvised explosive device planted on farmland in Dikwa Local Government Area of the state. The recurring discovery of explosive devices highlights the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups who continue to target vulnerable communities and farmlands in Borno.
Security analysts say the recovery demonstrates the increasing use of victim-operated IEDs—devices designed to detonate when disturbed or stepped on, making them particularly dangerous for farmers, women, and children.
Community Sensitisation and Ongoing Monitoring
Following the successful demolition of the device, the EOD team and local police officers carried out community sensitisation to educate residents on identifying suspicious objects and reporting them promptly.
The command also announced that monitoring operations in the area will continue to ensure sustained security around the IDPs camp and surrounding farmlands. This proactive measure is expected to reassure displaced persons and host communities who often live under the fear of sudden attacks.
Commissioner Reiterates Commitment to Security
In the statement, CP Naziru Abdulmajid reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Borno State Police Command to protecting lives and property. He called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to promptly report any suspicious objects or persons to the nearest police station,” the statement read in part. The Commissioner emphasised that collective responsibility remains crucial in winning the fight against insurgency and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.
Broader Security Context in Borno
Borno State has been at the centre of insurgency-related violence for more than a decade. Communities such as Mallam Fatori, located about 272 kilometres from the state capital, Maiduguri, are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to international borders and frequent militant incursions.
Internally Displaced Persons’ camps, which house thousands of families uprooted by insurgency, remain soft targets for terrorist groups. Security experts argue that timely intervention, such as the defusing of the IED in Abadam, demonstrates improved intelligence gathering and response mechanisms within the police command.
Averted Disaster Strengthens Public Trust
The successful operation not only prevented loss of lives but also strengthened community confidence in security forces. For displaced persons in Borno, who live with daily fear of attacks, the swift defusing of the IED represents a rare moment of relief and hope.
While challenges remain, the combined efforts of the police, military, and intelligence units continue to prevent potential tragedies across the state. Security watchers insist that consistent vigilance, coupled with public cooperation, is the only way to neutralise such threats permanently.
The Borno Police Command’s operation in Mallam Fatori underscores the importance of rapid response, community vigilance, and ongoing intelligence-led policing in countering insurgency threats. The defusing of the IED near an IDPs camp not only prevented a possible mass casualty event but also reinforced the command’s determination to secure one of Nigeria’s most volatile regions.
