At least five Nigerian soldiers have been killed and several others injured after a Boko Haram suicide bomber targeted a military convoy in Borno State.
The attack occurred in the Timbuktu Triangle, a known insurgent stronghold, as troops were returning from a successful operation to clear multiple Boko Haram camps. Security sources confirmed that two senior officers, a major and a lieutenant, were among those affected.
According to military officials, the attackers used a vehicle laden with explosives to ram into the convoy, destroying armoured and logistics vehicles. The bodies of the fallen soldiers were flown to Maiduguri, while the wounded were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
A statement by Lt-Col Sani Uba, spokesman for Operation HADIN KAI, read:
“On Tuesday while consolidating at a harbour area approximately six kilometres north of Chilaria, troops encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). Through vigilance and swift action, one VBIED was successfully neutralised.
“The second VBIED, however, breached the defensive position affecting some logistics platforms. In the course of this attack, some gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price, while others sustained injuries.
“The wounded were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital. Throughout the evacuation, Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component, in synergy with other Nigerian Army air platforms, provided continuous overwatch to ensure the safe extraction of casualties and the security of ground forces neutralising more terrorists in the process.”
The military said the convoy had been returning from operations that successfully dislodged several insurgent camps and neutralised many fighters.
Despite the attack, the Nigerian military has reiterated its commitment to ongoing operations against Boko Haram in the northeast.
