INSURGENTS have killed 28 people in two separate attacks in Borno and Sokoto states, as troops recovered 56 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a bridge in Borno.

In one of the attacks, insurgents drove into Malam Fatori, 200 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on the fringes of Lake Chad, in several vans fitted with machine guns around 0120 GMT and proceeded to a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the town, killing at least 11 people.

They also set fire to the local hospital and several government buildings.

According to the spokesman for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad region, Lt-Col. Olaniyi  Osoba, the attackers were, however, overpowered buy soldiers, who regained control of the area.

In Sokoto, gunmen suspected to be members of the emerging terrorist group, Lakurawa, attacked Kwalajia village as residents prepared for afternoon prayers, killing 17 people.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Army said it recovered 56 IEDs planted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the Marte–Dikwa Bridge in Borno State.

In a statement on its official X handle, the Army said the devices were recovered during a clearance operation by troops of 24 Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai, in Dikwa area, carefully concealed on the strategic bridge, with the aim of inflicting mass casualties and obstructing the movement of troops and civilians along the vital route.

It stated that the swift action by the vigilant troops averted what could have been a devastating attack on both military logistics and civilian commuters, assuring that the explosives had been safely detonated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and normal movement resumed along the corridor.

It added that troops have intensified clearance operations in the area to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety of lives and property.