Several others injured as blast rocks Maiduguri–Damasak highway, military yet to issue official statement
At least six Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed killed, while several others sustained injuries after a military convoy was struck by a landmine explosion in northern Borno State on Sunday.
The incident occurred at Bindundul village, near Kareto town in Mobbar Local Government Area, following sporadic gunfire reportedly fired by suspected insurgents operating in the area.
Security sources said the soldiers were travelling from Maiduguri to Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area, when their convoy ran into an explosive device believed to have been planted along the highway.
One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the soldiers paid the supreme price while carrying out their duty to protect the country.
According to the source, Bindundul village, located about 20 kilometres from Kareto, is a strategic route frequently used by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters to transport logistics to parts of Yobe State and the Sambisa forest.
A correspondent with TV360 also sighted a viral video circulating online showing the aftermath of the explosion, as surviving soldiers were seen making frantic efforts to rescue their wounded colleagues at the scene.
The injured personnel were said to have been evacuated and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed military medical facility.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military has yet to release an official statement on the incident.
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