BREAKING: Five Soldiers killed as Boko Haram bombs military convoy in Borno

At least five Nigerian soldiers were killed on Tuesday after a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into a military convoy in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.

Security sources confirmed that the attack also left an unspecified number of troops injured, including two senior officers, a major and a lieutenant.

The convoy was said to be returning from a successful clearance operation during which several insurgent camps were dismantled and numerous terrorists neutralised, when the bomber struck.

A military source told Very Nigerian that the explosion caused extensive damage to armoured and logistics vehicles deployed for both offensive and defensive operations in the area.

“Every military operation comes with its challenges, but we have continued to overcome them,” the officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Unfortunately, we lost five of our men in this incident. The commander, Manga, is safe, and operations are still ongoing.”

The source added that the terrorists used a vehicle packed with explosives to ram directly into the convoy, triggering a powerful blast.

It was further gathered that the remains of the deceased soldiers have been evacuated to Maiduguri, while those who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical treatment.

The Timbuktu Triangle has remained a notorious hotspot for insurgent activity. It was in the same axis that Brigadier General Musa Uba was ambushed, captured and later executed by terrorists.

The attack came barely a day after troops of the Joint Task Force North East, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), announced the clearance of several terrorist enclaves in the area as part of the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY.

In a statement, the operation’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said troops, supported by the Air Component of OPHK, carried out intelligence-driven offensives across terrorist strongholds including Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma.

According to him, sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) support from the air enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movements, disrupted reinforcements and enhanced the effectiveness of ground troops.

During the operation, soldiers reportedly recovered various items, including communication gadgets, AK-47 magazines, ammunition of different calibres, Boko Haram and ISWAP flags, fuel dumps, medical supplies, food items, a pick-up truck, underground logistics stores and petroleum products.

Lt-Col Uba also disclosed that troops came under armed drone attacks by terrorists during the operation but successfully repelled the assaults and forced the insurgents to retreat.

“Despite sustained engagements, troop morale remains high and operational efficiency is being maintained,” he said, adding that security in the area is calm but remains unpredictable.

The military high command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive until terrorist threats are eliminated and lasting peace restored in the North-East.

Join Very Nigerian WhatsApp Community
For Quick Access To News and Happenings
Around You.