Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In the early hours of Saturday, three Nigerian soldiers were killed and several others injured when their patrol vehicle struck an improvised explosive device near Babanna in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The blast occurred between Machiyan Gyada and Baturen Daji along the Dekara axis as troops were returning from a security patrol, according to local sources.
The explosion, which took place on Saturday morning, has once again highlighted the growing threat of IED attacks against security forces in Nigeria's North-Central region. The incident comes just weeks after three separate IED attacks in Sokoto State last month, raising urgent questions about whether these deadly roadside bombs are becoming an even greater threat to Nigeria's security forces. The military has not yet issued an official statement on the incident, and the Niger State Government has also remained silent.
The attack adds to a worrying pattern of IED strikes in Borgu LGA. In March 2026, a similar blast along Luma Road killed eight people and destroyed a bridge connecting Luma, Babana, and Agwara communities. The terrorists responsible for that attack reportedly targeted the bridge to sever a vital trade route and isolate border communities. Sunday's attack appears to be part of a sustained effort by armed groups to disrupt military operations, cut off communities, and inflict casualties on security forces patrolling the area.
Borgu Local Government Area, which shares a border with the Republic of Benin, has become a focal point for security operations targeting terrorists and bandits operating in the region. The deployment of IEDs along patrol routes suggests an adaptation by criminal groups to counter the military's growing presence, forcing troops to contend with hidden explosives in addition to direct firefights. The use of IEDs by terrorist groups has been a persistent threat in Nigeria's North-East, but the tactic appears to be spreading to other regions, including the North-West and North-Central.
Troops of Operation Savannah Shield and other military formations have intensified operations in Niger State, including offensive actions to neutralise terrorists and clear IED threats. On May 15, troops neutralised a suspected terrorist during an operation in Borgu LGA, and in another incident, a fleeing terrorist was killed after accidentally triggering an IED. However, Sunday's attack underscores the persistent danger facing troops operating in the region, where terrorists have increasingly turned to landmines and IEDs to target military convoys.
The military has not yet disclosed the identities of the deceased or whether any arrests have been made. The incident once again raises concerns about the safety of security personnel operating in the region. As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack.
As the military continues its operations in Niger State, Sunday's attack is a grim reminder of the dangers facing troops and the need for enhanced counter-IED capabilities, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained community cooperation to prevent further attacks.
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