Nine Nigerian soldiers have been killed following a deadly landmine attack on their convoy in Borno State.
The incident occurred on Monday, January 5, near Bindundul village, about 12 miles from Kareto, an area known to be active with fighters of the Daesh-affiliated Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Security sources attached to the Damasak brigade disclosed that the convoy ran into an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists, triggering a powerful blast that claimed the lives of at least nine soldiers on the spot. Five other personnel were reported to have sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical attention.
A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force involved in the rescue operation, Abba Kaka Tuja, confirmed that an armoured military vehicle was destroyed in the explosion, which was followed by sporadic gunfire from insurgents.
The soldiers were traveling from Maiduguri to Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area, when the attack occurred.
The incident highlights persistent security threats in parts of northern Borno, where insurgent groups continue to target military convoys despite ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.
