Nine Soldiers Killed, Others  Injured in Boko Haram-Planted Explosives Attack in Borno

At least nine Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following an explosion involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near Gubio in Borno State, SaharaReporters has learned.

A senior military source revealed in an exclusive interview that the soldiers, who were traveling from Maiduguri, were victims of explosives planted by Boko Haram. The incident occurred on Saturday when the soldiers stopped at a camp along the route to continue their journey the following day. Several personnel sustained injuries, and the fatalities reportedly increased after the initial blast.

“Eight soldiers died yesterday among those injured, and one more passed away this morning,” the source told SaharaReporters, emphasizing that the attack was caused solely by planted devices and not an ambush by gunmen.

The affected troops belong to the 145 Damasak unit under 5 Brigade, Maiduguri, with the explosion taking place toward the evening on Sunday. Video and photographic evidence obtained by SaharaReporters show the aftermath, revealing soldiers lying lifeless with severe injuries consistent with powerful explosions. Some bodies exhibited signs of severed limbs, underscoring the ferocity of the blast.

This attack is the latest in a string of assaults targeting Nigerian forces in the North-East, where Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue coordinated strikes on military patrols and formations using both firearms and explosives.

In a similar incident in November 2025, suspected ISWAP fighters ambushed a military convoy, resulting in multiple casualties among soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and the abduction of a serving Brigade Commander.

As of the time of reporting, the Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement regarding the explosion or the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The ongoing violence highlights the persistent threat to security forces in Borno State, where insurgent groups continue to challenge military operations and civilian safety.