Five Soldiers Killed in Boko Haram Suicide Attack on Military Convoy in Borno

Five Nigerian soldiers have been killed and several others injured after a Boko Haram suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.

Security sources confirmed that two senior officers—a major and a lieutenant—were among those affected in the attack, which occurred as troops were returning from a clearance operation that had successfully dislodged several insurgent camps and neutralised many terrorists.

“The attack caused significant damage to military equipment used for offensive and defensive operations in the weeks-long clearance operations,” one of the soldiers said, adding that the attackers used a vehicle packed with explosives to strike the convoy.

An officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the fatalities and said the operation remains ongoing. “Yes, you know, every operation comes with setbacks, but we overcame it. Unfortunately, we lost five soldiers in the incident. Manga (the Commander) is hale and hearty and the operation continues, thank you,” he said.

Armoured and logistics vehicles were destroyed in the attack, which took place on Tuesday. The bodies of the deceased soldiers have been flown to Maiduguri, while those injured have been taken to hospital for medical treatment.

The incident followed an earlier announcement by troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), who on Monday reported clearing multiple terrorist camps and foiling drone attacks in the area as part of Operation DESERT SANITY.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said: “On Tuesday while consolidating at a harbour area approximately 6 km north of Chilaria, troops encountered II Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED). 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.”

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