At least three soldiers were killed while many others sustained injuries when the troops’ convoy ran into landmines planted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents along Maiduguri/Gomboru Ngala road, Borno state on Monday, December 28, IgbereTV reports.

IgbereTV gathered that the convoy of three battalions of Nigeria Army, who were escorting commuters, ran into the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) between Gomboru Ngala and Dikwa.

According to a source who spoke to newsmen under anonymity, “Their troops operation vehicle was destroyed and we lost some soldiers to IEDs buried along Dikwa/Gomboru Ngala road. Our prayer and thought are with their families,” the source said.

A top security source confirmed that three “gallant men sacrificed their lives”, adding that their vehicles were badly damaged beyond repairs.

“It is sad, we lost three soldiers to the landmines. They died on their way to Gamboru Ngala as a result of IED planted on a bad portion of the road by the of Boko Haram terrorists on Monday,” the security source added.

Also confirming the incident, Malam Yusuf Gulumbo Mohammed, Senior Humanitarian Desk Officer, State Emergency Management Agency, Ngala, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State, shared photos of two of the gallant soldiers that died in the attack. He wrote:

“My sincere and heartfelt condolences to C.O 3BN of Gamboru Ngala on the tragic passing of such a courageous men. Their sacrifice will be forever remembered and I hope that the outpouring of love to his family will help in some small way during this extremely difficult time.

Thank you to all the Military emergency personnel, and armed guards who put their lives at risk for us, the general public. Your dedication in the line of duty is beyond the call of duty and we are immeasurably indebted to you.

May Your gentle souls rest in peace. Amin

Mal. Yusuf Gulumbo Mohammed,
Senior Humanitarian Desk officer, State Emergency Management Agency, Ngala, Kala Balge LGA’s, Borno, Nigeria.”