No fewer than nine soldiers have been confirmed dead following the detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the 85km Maiduguri-Gubio road in Borno.

Confirming the incident on Monday in Maiduguri, military and Civilian JTF sources revealed, “Our investigations indicated that the explosive devices were planted along the road last night by Boko Haram terrorists to cause havoc on the soldiers,” stating that the troops were travelling from Maiduguri via Gubio town for an operation in the Sasawa Forest, located in the neighbouring state of Yobe, when the incident occurred.

The source explained that the soldiers were travelling from Maiduguri when the incident occurred near Gubio, the council headquarters of Gubio Local Government Area (LGA).

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According to the source, the troops had initially stopped at a military outpost along the roadside on Saturday and eventually planned to continue their journey the following day, Sunday.
“While travelling from Maiduguri on Saturday, the soldiers stopped at a military camp at the roadside before proceeding with their journey on Sunday,” said the source.

The senior military officer added that some soldiers also sustained injuries from the shrapnel of the bomb blasts, including burns to their limbs and heads.

While clarifying the circumstances that led to the IED explosion, the source stated, “The Sunday attack on our troops was not an ambush by gunmen or terrorists but was caused by an IED planted along the road in the night by Boko Haram insurgents.”

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The affected troops were said to be from the 145 Battalion, Damasak, under 5 Brigade of the Nigerian Army at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
The explosion reportedly occurred on the evening of Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army is yet to issue an official statement on the IED explosions, including investigations and casualties sustained from the road blasts.
Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have continued to target troops using gun trucks and improvised explosive devices along key routes and patrol areas of the Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad region.

In November last year, suspected ISWAP terrorists were also reported to have attacked a military convoy in the region, resulting in multiple casualties among soldiers and members of the Civilian JTF, who are assisting the military in ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Lake Chad region and forest.

Kidnappers who abducted two brothers on January 2 at their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, Estako Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, have killed the younger one amongst the victims.

The father of the deceased, Tahir Momoh, confirmed his son, Abu Momoh’s death on Monday.

He noted that the corpse was discovered on Monday morning and he has been buried the same day according to Islamic rites .

He said, “It is true that he was killed. He is the younger of the two brothers and he has been buried. The elder brother is still with the kidnappers.

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“This is a very sad day for us and we hope that his elder will be released to us.”

A short video circulated from the deceased community shows the deceased was killed by his abductors by Orley River, Down City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi.

A source said he must have attempted an escape before he was shot.

“I was told that he attempted an escape and he was shot by the kidnappers,” the source said.

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The elder brother who happens to be a medical doctor is still with the kidnappers.

Ibrahim was abducted along with his brother while they were trying to enter their compound and were taken into the bush.

Ibrahim, is currently on his housemanship at Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi.

A resident who gave his name as Abdul urged the police to beam their searchlight on the Igbira camp.

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He said the number that has been done in that area is so much that not all is reported in the media.

He said, “I think it’s time the police beam a searchlight on the Igbira community in Auchi as the number of kidnapping around that area is alarming.

“The problem is these boys don’t want to work but are looking for easy money. The earlier their criminal activities are halted, the better for Auchi and other communities around that area.

“The government should also take action so that the people can see that they are important.”

The management of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Edo State, on Monday disowned students who participated in a protest against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Angry students and youths in Ekpoma, had earlier staged a peaceful protest over alleged incessant kidnappings in the area.

The protesters said the demonstration aimed to draw the attention of the government at all levels to the persistent insecurity in the locality.

But in a statement, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, Principal Assistant Registrar/Head of Information, Protocol, and Public Relations, said those involved in the protest are not registered students of the institution.

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Aladenika said the university management has dissociated both the institution and its students from the protest.

He said the individuals involved in the demonstration are neither registered students nor members of the University Students’ Union Government, adding that they have no affiliation with the university in any capacity.

“The University wishes to inform the general public, students, staff, and stakeholders that the organisers of this event are not registered students, members of the University Students’ Union Government, or affiliated with the institution in any capacity.

“The Management condemns any attempts to disrupt the peaceful academic environment and assures that such unauthorised actions will be met with appropriate measures to safeguard the university’s interests and maintain order.

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“This protest is null and void. The University urges everyone to disregard this notice and continue with their legitimate activities. Adequate security arrangements have been made to prevent any disturbances.

“We appeal to all students, staff, and visitors to cooperate with university authorities to maintain peace and stability on campus,” he added.

Aladenika further stated that the management condemns any attempt to disrupt the peaceful academic environment of the university.

“They do not have the authorisation or right to represent the university or organise activities in its name,” he said.

He warned that unauthorised actions would be met with appropriate measures to safeguard the institution’s interests and maintain order.