The convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, came under attack from suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway as Gubio and his entourage were returning to Maiduguri after a thank-you visit to Damasak, according to sources cited by Daily Trust.
Damasak, a border town in northern Borno, is located about 190 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.
A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the insurgents had planted landmines along the highway in an apparent attempt to target the convoy.
According to the source, a police armoured vehicle leading the convoy struck one of the explosive devices, triggering a powerful blast.
“We entered Damasak safely and spent about 40 minutes there. On our way back, the insurgents planted mines on the road, and the armoured vehicle that led the convoy drove over it and exploded,” the source told Daily Trust.
The explosion was followed by an attempt by the terrorists to attack the convoy.
Security personnel comprising soldiers, police officers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) responded to the threat, engaging the insurgents in a gun battle.
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“We had to park and take positions, waiting for the remaining vehicles in the convoy to arrive. In the course of waiting, we noticed the movement of the insurgents and swiftly engaged them,” the source added.
The security operatives reportedly succeeded in repelling the attackers and prevented further damage to the main convoy.
However, the police armoured vehicle that triggered the explosive device was severely damaged in the blast.
The Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway is regarded as one of the most dangerous routes in Borno State because of the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram insurgents.
The route is strategically important to insurgents operating around the Lake Chad region, providing access towards Alagarno, the Sambisa Forest and parts of neighbouring Yobe State.
Security forces and motorists using the corridor have continued to face the risk of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), ambushes and sudden attacks, making movement along the route particularly hazardous.
The latest incident highlights the continuing security risks surrounding political activities in Borno, particularly as political actors increasingly travel across areas affected by the insurgency.
It also recalls previous incidents of political violence in the state, including the January 2011 assassination of Modu Fannami Gubio, the governorship candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), who was shot dead by gunmen in Maiduguri.
As of press time, the police is yet to comment on the alleged attack.