Insecurity
Renewed Terror: Two Soldiers Killed In Borno Landmine Blast, Days After Civilian Massacre
Despite military escorts provided to civilians, the road remains a hotspot for ambushes and landmine attacks
Maiduguri, Borno State-Barely two weeks after a deadly Boko Haram landmine explosion killed eight passengers and injured many along the volatile Maiduguri-Damboa road, the same route has claimed the lives of two Nigerian soldiers in another Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack.
The latest incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday near Nyeliri, a deserted village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The explosion reportedly sent shockwaves through the area, causing panic among travelers and forcing them to flee in different directions—even under military escort.
The Maiduguri-Damboa road, a critical supply and transit route in the state, has been under constant threat from insurgents.
Despite military escorts provided to civilians, the road remains a hotspot for ambushes and landmine attacks, raising fresh concerns about the safety of both military personnel and civilians.
“This is becoming too much to bear,” said Alhaji Lawan Maina, the District Head of Damboa. “Two soldiers were killed today. These renewed attacks by Boko Haram are alarming and seem to go largely unchallenged. Our people are living in constant fear.”
Tuesday’s explosion is part of a growing wave of violence in the region. Just last week, on Friday, April 25, six charcoal hawkers were ambushed and killed in the Mulgoi area.
Two days later, on Sunday, April 27, two farmers were murdered at Kanama Road in Damboa Local Government Area while preparing their fields for the rainy season.
Speaking on the deteriorating security situation, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) expressed deep frustration and urged immediate action. “This cannot continue,” he said.
“Our troops are doing their best, but they need better equipment. I call on the Federal Government to urgently supply the military with more sophisticated weapons and logistics to end these senseless killings and destruction.”
Residents of the area also voiced their fears, noting that the security presence alone has not deterred the terrorists from executing deadly ambushes and bombings.
As insecurity persists in Nigeria’s Northeast, questions continue to mount over the effectiveness of the counter-insurgency efforts and the protection of vulnerable communities caught in the crossfire of terror.
