KEY POINTS

• Suspected Boko Haram insurgents detonated a landmine under a police armoured vehicle leading Gubio’s convoy.
• Soldiers, police and Civilian JTF engaged the attackers, who reportedly retreated; no convoy casualties were recorded.
• The attack highlights persistent security threats along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway.

The convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, came under attack on Thursday evening after suspected Boko Haram insurgents detonated a landmine along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway.

Gubio and members of his entourage were reportedly returning to Maiduguri after a thank-you visit to Damasak, a border community located about 190 kilometres north of the state capital.

According to security sources, a police armoured vehicle leading the convoy drove over an explosive device planted on the highway.

The explosion severely damaged the armoured vehicle and forced the convoy to stop as security personnel assessed the situation and prepared to respond to a possible follow-up attack.

A security source said the convoy had arrived in Damasak safely and spent about 40 minutes in the community before beginning its return journey.

“On our way back, the insurgents planted mines on the road, and the armoured vehicle that led the convoy drove over it and exploded,” the source said.

Insurgents Attempt Ambush

The landmine explosion was reportedly followed by an attempt by the suspected insurgents to ambush members of the convoy.

Security personnel, including soldiers, police officers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (Civilian JTF), quickly took defensive positions after detecting movements believed to be those of the attackers.

The security team subsequently engaged the insurgents in a gun battle, forcing them to withdraw from the area.

Despite the intensity of the attack, no casualties were reported among the main convoy.

The security source added that the quick response by the personnel accompanying the convoy prevented the attackers from successfully carrying out the ambush.

The Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway has long been regarded as one of the dangerous routes in northern Borno because of the activities of Boko Haram and other insurgent groups.

The road is reportedly used as a movement corridor by insurgents operating between areas around Lake Chad, Alagarno, Sambisa Forest and parts of neighbouring Yobe State.

Security forces and civilians travelling through the corridor have faced recurring threats, including improvised explosive devices, landmines, ambushes and raids.

The latest attack therefore highlights the continuing security challenges in parts of Borno, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the governorship election.