Multiple military sources have revealed that Nigerian soldiers, a pregnant woman, and other civilians were killed in a recent ambush carried out by militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, known as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The attack occurred in Borno State along the Fulka and Bama road on Monday. The soldiers fell victim to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), while civilians tragically lost their lives when their vehicles unknowingly drove over the planted IEDs. The use of IEDs and coordinated ambushes continues to pose a significant threat to the troops combating Boko Haram and ISWAP in Northern Nigeria.
According to one military source, Right now, many soldiers and civilians who stepped on IEDs planted by Boko Haram have been killed along Fulka and Bama road. Honestly, the situation is very bad as I’m sending you this message. The road has been completely blocked due to this incident. We fear that there are many yet to be exploded devices on the road. Also killed is a pregnant woman who has a small child with her. Fortunately, the small child who can’t be more than three years survived. Nigerians should know that Boko Haram terrorists are still active operating within the North East.
Another source corroborated the devastating toll, stating, Heavy casualties, both soldiers and civilians were involved. Right now, the remaining soldiers from the engineer unit are making clearance so that other motorists can use the road.
As of now, the Nigerian military authorities have yet to comment on the incident. The attack serves as a grim reminder that Boko Haram and ISWAP remain a serious security threat in the North East, endangering the lives of civilians and soldiers alike. The use of IEDs and well-coordinated ambushes underscores the need for continuous vigilance and robust counter-terrorism measures to ensure the safety of the region’s residents.
The loss of lives in this recent attack highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian forces in their efforts to eliminate the extremist groups and bring stability to the region. The Nigerian government must intensify its efforts to protect civilians and equip the military with the necessary tools and training to effectively counter these terrorist organizations.
The incident also underscores the urgent need for improved intelligence gathering and sharing between security forces to prevent further attacks and thwart the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP. Furthermore, measures should be implemented to enhance the protection of civilians traveling on major roads that are susceptible to attacks.
As news of this latest terrorist attack reverberates, it serves as a solemn reminder of the tenacity and resilience of the extremist factions plaguing Nigeria. The international community must stand in solidarity with the Nigerian government and provide support in their fight against terrorism, as the consequences of these attacks extend far beyond the borders of Nigeria. Together, we must work to eliminate the threat posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP, ensuring that peace, stability, and security are restored to the region.
