At least nine Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following an explosion caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Gubio axis of Borno State, according to security sources. A senior military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that preliminary investigations indicated the explosives were planted by Boko Haram insurgents.
The affected troops were traveling from Maiduguri when the explosion occurred over the weekend. The source explained, “While coming from Maiduguri on Saturday, the soldiers stopped at a camp along the route and were to continue their journey on Sunday.”
Several soldiers sustained severe injuries during the blast, with the death toll rising after the initial explosion. “Eight of the wounded died on Sunday, while one more soldier died this morning,” the source disclosed, confirming the total fatalities.
This incident was specified as not being an ambush but rather a deliberate planting of explosives along the route. The explosion reportedly occurred toward the evening hours on Sunday, involving soldiers from the 145 Battalion, Damasak, under the 5 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
Images and video footage from the scene depicted the devastating aftermath, with many soldiers lying lifeless and others suffering severe injuries consistent with a potent blast. Some victims were seen with dismembered body parts, indicating the explosion’s intensity.
This attack is part of a series of deadly assaults on military personnel in Nigeria’s North-East, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have continued to target troops with roadside bombs and coordinated assaults. As of now, the Nigerian Army has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
