Ogona Anita
A tragic incident has claimed the lives of at least 26 Nigerian soldiers after their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED) in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria. Additionally, 20 soldiers sustained serious injuries and have been evacuated to the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army hospital in Maiduguri, the state capital.
Military sources disclosed to SaharaReporters on Tuesday evening that the explosion occurred while a military truck was transporting soldiers from Damboa to Maiduguri.
“Twenty-six Nigerian soldiers were killed today (Tuesday) as they were moving from Damboa to Maiduguri, Borno State capital. The incident happened when their truck hit a landmine, killing 26 soldiers on the spot. Twenty other soldiers were equally wounded and have been taken to the 7 Division, Nigerian Army Hospital for treatment,” a source reported.
The devastating blast coincided with the handing over ceremony of the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division, Major General Haruna, to the new GOC, Brig-Gen. V. I. Una Nwachukwu.
This incident occurs amidst a surge in violence in northeast Nigeria, with the death toll in recent days exceeding 50 individuals. The region has long been affected by armed groups, including Boko Haram and the ISIL affiliate in West Africa, known as ISWAP, which has seen a resurgence of violence in recent times.
ISWAP has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement released on Telegram on Tuesday.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum previously informed Nigeria’s defence minister and military leaders that Boko Haram and ISWAP are solidifying their presence in the Lake Chad islands, Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara mountains along the Cameroon border due to “military setbacks.”
As of this report, the military has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
