Two soldiers were killed on Tuesday morning in a landmine explosion along the Maiduguri-Damboa road near Nyeliri, a deserted village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. The blast occurred at around 11:00 am, causing panic among commuters who were under military escort at the time. Witnesses reported that passengers and motorists ran for cover as the explosion disrupted movement on the partially accessible road.
According to local sources, the soldiers who died were part of a military escort team using landmine detectors to clear the route for travelers. Their mission was cut short when the device planted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents detonated. The road has remained risky for travel despite daily escort operations, as renewed attacks continue to target both civilians and security personnel.
This incident comes just 17 days after a similar attack in the same region claimed the lives of eight passengers and injured several others. In separate recent attacks, six charcoal vendors were killed in the Mulgoi area on April 25, while two farmers were murdered on April 27 at Kanama road in Damboa Local Government Area. The farmers had reportedly gone to prepare their land ahead of the rainy season.
Confirming Tuesday’s explosion, the District Head of Damboa, Alhaji Lawan Maina, expressed deep concern over the growing violence. He described the current situation as alarming, noting the lack of direct confrontation despite the frequency of attacks. Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, also reacted, urging the federal government to equip security forces with advanced weapons to counter the ongoing threat and bring lasting security to the region.
