Eight Nigerian soldiers have reportedly been killed after a landmine struck their vehicle in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, amid renewed attacks by jihadist militants in the region.
The attack occurred on Saturday in Kinuba village, about 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) from Gamboru, when troops were inspecting anti-jihadist militia members clearing thick vegetation along a highway, according to military and militia sources cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The sources said the vehicle ran over an explosive device planted on the road, triggering an explosion that killed all eight soldiers on board.
ISWAP Blamed for Deadly Landmine Attack
A military officer in the region attributed the attack to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a jihadist group active in northeastern Nigeria.
“All eight soldiers in the vehicle were killed in the explosion,” the officer said.
Ibrahim Liman, a member of an anti-jihadist militia supporting military operations against the insurgents, also confirmed the reported death toll.
Liman said the explosive had been planted on the dusty road and remotely detonated using a detonating cord.
He added that a militia member supervising the clearing of vegetation sustained shrapnel injuries during the explosion.
The attack highlights the continuing security risks faced by Nigerian troops and local militia members operating along highways in areas affected by the insurgency.
Attack Occurs During Army Chief's Visit to Maiduguri
The incident happened on the same day Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, visited Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
His visit followed an earlier attack on a military base that reportedly killed 15 soldiers and five members of an anti-jihadist militia.
The latest incident adds to security concerns in Borno, where military personnel continue to face attacks from insurgents despite years of counterterrorism operations.
Jihadists Increasingly Use Landmines Against Troops
According to the report, ISWAP and its rival group, Boko Haram, have increasingly used landmines against military personnel and civilian targets.
The militants reportedly exploit thick vegetation along highways to conceal themselves and launch ambushes against troops and motorists.
Explosive devices planted on roads also pose serious risks to security patrols, supply vehicles and civilians travelling through affected communities.
The use of such tactics complicates military operations, particularly in remote areas where insurgents can exploit difficult terrain and limited visibility.
Insurgency Continues to Devastate Northeastern Nigeria
Nigeria's jihadist insurgency began in 2009 and has killed tens of thousands of people over the years.
Although violence declined from its peak about a decade ago, attacks have reportedly increased again in recent years, raising concerns about the security situation across parts of the northeast.
The prolonged conflict has also displaced approximately two million people from their homes in northeastern Nigeria, disrupting livelihoods, education, agriculture and economic activities.
The violence has extended beyond Nigeria's borders into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting regional countries to cooperate through a military coalition against the insurgents.
Security Challenges Remain in Borno
The reported landmine attack underscores the continuing threat posed by insurgent groups operating in Borno State and surrounding areas.
While Nigerian security forces and local militia members continue efforts to combat the insurgency, the use of roadside explosives and ambush tactics remains a significant challenge.
The latest reported deaths also highlight the risks faced by personnel involved in military operations and efforts to clear vegetation that insurgents may use as hiding places.
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