Suicide Bomber Killed 27 Nigerian Soldiers

• Suicide bomber killed 27 Nigerian soldiers in northeastern Nigeria.
• Attack targeted troops advancing on ISWAP stronghold.
• ISWAP remains a dominant threat in the region, exploiting sophisticated tactics.

At least 27 Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead in a devastating suicide attack carried out by jihadists in northeastern Nigeria. The tragic incident, which unfolded on Friday evening, also left several troops critically injured, military sources disclosed on Sunday.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the attack occurred during a military ground offensive targeting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in a notorious stronghold straddling Borno and Yobe states. According to military sources, the attack took place at approximately 8:30 pm GMT.

“The suicide attack killed 27 soldiers, including the commander, and left several others seriously injured,” a senior military officer revealed.

Another officer highlighted the operational challenges posed by the timing of the attack, stating, “It was dark, which made it difficult for the troops to have a clear view of the surroundings.”

Reports indicate that the attack involved a suicide bomber who drove a vehicle laden with explosives into a convoy of advancing soldiers. The vehicle had been concealed within dense vegetation, making it nearly impossible to detect before the devastating explosion.

Military authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. The names of the deceased soldiers, including the commander, remain undisclosed as efforts are underway to notify their families.

ISWAP, which split from Boko Haram in 2016, has become a dominant terror group in the region. Known for its sophisticated tactics, the group has captured significant territories, including the Sambisa Forest and the Timbuktu Triangle, and frequently uses rigged vehicles and roadside bombs to carry out its attacks.

This recent attack is a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by the 15-year-long insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, which has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced nearly two million people. The violence has also spilled into neighboring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, prompting the establishment of a regional military coalition to combat the militants.

In July 2024, a similar incident claimed the lives of seven Nigerian soldiers after their vehicle struck a landmine planted by ISWAP insurgents in a nearby village.

The recent surge in attacks underscores the challenges faced by Nigerian troops and regional forces in curbing the violence, as ISWAP continues to adapt its strategies to evade detection and strike at military and civilian targets.

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