Eight Soldiers Killed by ISWAP Landmine in Borno Attack

On Saturday, in Borno, eight soldiers were killed when their military van ran over a landmine planted by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The incident occurred while troops were inspecting anti-jihadist militia members clearing thickets along a highway outside Gamboru.

The explosion took place in Kinuba village, approximately 25 kilometers from Gamboru. The vehicle was remotely detonated, resulting in the deaths of all eight soldiers on board.

Ibrahim Liman, an anti-jihadist militia member assisting the military, confirmed the toll and reported that a militia member supervising the clearing operation was injured by shrapnel. This attack coincided with the visit of Nigerian Army Chief Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu to Maiduguri, following a previous attack that killed 15 soldiers and five anti-jihadist militia members.

Jihadist violence has been increasing in Nigeria over the past two years, with the long conflict resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of around two million people in the northeast.