A tragic incident unfolded on the Baga-Kukawa Road in Borno State, resulting in the loss of at least 16 lives and leaving 20 others injured. It was reported that a commercial vehicle unknowingly drove over an Improvised Explosives Device suspected to have been planted by ISWAP terrorists.
The incident, as shared by credible military intelligence sources with Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, took place on Wednesday, April 17.
While Zagazola Makama initially reported 10 fatalities, reliable sources informed NewsNow that the actual toll was no less than 16.
Responding to inquiries, Lt. Col. Ajemusu Jingina, the spokesperson for the 7 Division, declined to provide further details stating that the jurisdiction falls under the Multi-National Joint Task Force based in Ndjamena, Chad Republic.
A resident of Baga, Bukar Wakil, shared with NewsNow over the phone, “Reports suggest that the IED was intended to target troops, but tragically it was a civilian vehicle that detonated it first, resulting in the loss of about 16 lives and injuries to approximately 20 individuals, mostly bystanders.”
Expressing concerns over the escalating attacks in the Lake Chad basin, security analyst Abdullahi Abubakar from Maiduguri highlighted the resurgence of ISWAP assaults.
“The resurgence of attacks by ISWAP can be viewed from three perspectives.
“Firstly, the success in significantly weakening Boko Haram forces; secondly, ISWAP’s emergence as a dominant force in the Chad basin, engaging in fierce battles not only against Boko Haram but also in asserting supremacy; and lastly, the demonstration of ISWAP’s presence and resilience against the Nigerian military.
“Until a complete eradication of ISWAP is achieved, the region is likely to face persistent attacks, particularly in northern Borno.”