9 troopers killed as navy convoy hits landmine in Borno state

At the least 9 Nigerian troopers have been killed whereas a number of others have been injured after their convoy struck a landmine and got here underneath assault in Borno state.

The incident occurred on Sunday close to Bindundul village, about 20 kilometres from Kareto, an space identified for the actions of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.

A navy supply from the Damasak brigade stated the world is regularly utilized by militants who arrange unlawful checkpoints.

Abba Kaka Tuja, a member of the civilian joint activity drive concerned within the rescue operation, stated the troopers have been focused with an improvised explosive machine.

“The terrorists planted a mine that our troopers stepped on. Sadly, about 9 troopers died immediately, whereas 5 others have been severely injured,” he stated.

Tuja stated an armoured automobile was destroyed when the mine detonated, after which the convoy got here underneath sporadic gunfire from the attackers.

He stated the troopers have been travelling from Maiduguri to Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar native authorities space, when the assault occurred at about 1600 GMT.

Navy authorities have been but to answer requests for remark as of the time of submitting this report.

Nigeria’s north-east has witnessed intensified assaults by ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters in current months, with navy convoys and civilians more and more focused.