Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Four soldiers sustained injuries on Saturday after troops on a dominance patrol along a strategic highway in Borno State were hit by a command‑detonated improvised explosive device (IED) and then came under a fierce ambush by suspected terrorists. The attack occurred at about 11:45 a.m. on May 16, 2026, approximately nine kilometres from the Kumala junction in Konduga Local Government Area, along the Damboa–Kumala–Maiduguri main supply route.
The troops, drawn from the 25 Brigade, were conducting a routine dominance patrol along the highway when they encountered an IED planted by suspected terrorists. According to security sources, the device was command‑detonated, triggering a powerful explosion that was immediately followed by a barrage of gunfire from an ambush position. The troops fought through the ambush, successfully engaging the attackers, but four soldiers sustained varying degrees of injuries during the engagement.
Following the attack, reinforcements from the brigade headquarters were rushed to the scene, along with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team. The EOD team later discovered and safely neutralised another suspected IED planted along the same axis, preventing a possible secondary attack on security forces or civilian vehicles.
In the aftermath of the attack, military authorities prioritised the safety of civilians travelling along the route. According to security sources, 89 civilian vehicles were safely escorted to their destinations, while 165 others were turned back to Damboa as a precautionary measure due to ongoing clearance operations. Military authorities said clearance operations were ongoing to ensure safe passage along the strategic highway, a critical supply route that connects several communities in Borno State.
The successful response by the troops, despite the coordinated attack, highlights the continued threat posed by IEDs and ambushes by terrorist groups operating in the North‑East. The incident also underscores the military’s commitment to securing the region and protecting civilian travellers, even in the face of sophisticated attacks.
As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The injured soldiers are receiving medical treatment, and their conditions are said to be stable. The military has not released the identities of the injured soldiers, citing operational security.
The Damboa–Maiduguri highway remains a critical artery for the movement of goods and people in Borno State, and it has been the target of several attacks by terrorist groups in the past. The military’s ongoing clearance operations along the route are aimed at ensuring safe passage and disrupting the activities of insurgent groups in the region.
This latest attack comes amid a resurgence of terrorist activities in parts of Borno State, including recent assaults on military bases and civilian communities. The Nigerian military has intensified its operations under the codename Operation Hadin Kai, which is aimed at flushing out insurgents from their hideouts and restoring peace to the North‑East.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by troops on the frontline and the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. The four injured soldiers are currently receiving medical care, and the military has assured the public that they will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
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