No fewer than five Nigerian soldiers have been killed while five others sustained injuries after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.
Security sources confirmed that the attack affected two senior officers, a major and a lieutenant, during the incident, which occurred as troops were returning from a clearance operation.
According to sources cited by Daily Trust, the soldiers had successfully dislodged several insurgents’ camps and killed several terrorists before the attack took place.
“The terrorists used a vehicle loaded with explosives to ram into the convoy,” one of the soldiers said. “The attack caused significant damage to military equipment used for both offensive and defensive operations during the ongoing clearance exercise.”
Another officer, who requested anonymity, confirmed the casualties and said the operation was continuing despite the setback.
“Yes, every operation comes with setbacks, but we overcame it. Unfortunately, we lost five soldiers in the incident. The commander, Manga, is hale and hearty, and the operation continues,” the officer said.
He added that several armoured and logistics vehicles were destroyed when the explosive-laden vehicle struck the convoy on Tuesday.
Sources further revealed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers have been airlifted to Maiduguri, while those injured in the attack are receiving medical treatment.
The Timbuktu Triangle is a volatile area in Borno State known for repeated insurgent attacks. It was previously the location where terrorists ambushed the convoy of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was captured and later executed.
