More IED Explosions Recorded As Terrorist Groups Intensify Operations in Nigeria’s North East
At least seven people were killed today when a commercial bus, part of a military-escorted convoy, drove on an IED planted by terrorists along the Damboa–Maiduguri road, Nigeria. The deadly explosion comes amid rising insecurity perpetuated by Boko Haram and ISWAP who have recently intensified attacks and operations across the Lake Chad region.
In less than one month, multiple improvised explosive device (IED) explosions have occurred in Borno state, northeastern Nigeria.
At least seven passengers were killed and several others injured on Saturday, April 12, when a commercial bus traveling along the Damboa–Maiduguri road drove on an IED planted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the infamous terrorist group operating across the Lake Chad region.
The explosion occurred around midday, locals told HumAngle. The bus was part of a military-escorted convoy comprising trucks, lorries, private cars, and commercial vehicles, all moving in the narrow travel window allowed for civilians along this volatile route. The convoy was driving from Damboa town to Maiduguri, the capital of the state.
Despite a heavy security presence equipped with an anti bomb squad unit, terrorists continue to plant IEDs and launch ambushes on this corridor. Civilian travel on the Damboa–Maiduguri road is restricted to two days per week, requiring heavily armed escorts due to repeated attacks.
Abbagana Damboa, a driver and resident of Damboa town, lamented on the recent incident. “Last week I returned to Damboa from Miduguri and I used the same dangerous road. I felt terrified when I heard about the incident because it is the same road I use frequently,” Abbagana said.
“We are praying for security,” he added.
The attack comes amid renewed violent operations in Borno and the broader Lake Chad region. In recent months, Boko Haram and ISWAP have stepped up planting IEDs and ambushes on both civilian and military convoys plying major roads in the region.
On March 12, HumAngle reported that a Nigerian police patrol team drove on an IED along the Maiduguri–Damaturu road, a major road in the region. The explosion damaged their vehicle, and several officers sustained injuries as a result of the incident.
In the same region, on March 21, an IED detonated beneath a commercial vehicle, resulting in the deaths of four passengers.
These incidents indicate the persistent threat by terrorist groups targeting civilian and military movement across major roads in North East Nigeria.
Borno State governor, governor Babagana Umara Zulum has warned of the deteriorating state of security in the region. Last week, he met with Nigeria’s military service chiefs in Abuja, calling for intensified efforts to counter the escalating threat.
HumAngle contacted the Borno state police command for comment on the incident and measures for the state of insecurity. The police confirmed the incident to HumAngle, adding that injured victims had been taken to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri and that the military and police were conducting a joint clearance operation at the scene of the incident.
In Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, a series of deadly attacks involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have occurred recently.
On March 12, seven passengers died when a commercial bus detonated an IED planted by ISWAP on the Damboa–Maiduguri road. Despite military escort and security measures, terrorist groups continue to launch ambushes and plant IEDs along major routes.
The Nigerian police and civilians have also been targeted, with a police patrol on the Maiduguri–Damaturu road encountering a similar explosive device. Borno State's governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed concern over the security situation and urged military leaders to intensify their efforts against the sweeping threat.
The persistent terror activities highlight the volatile security landscape and the urgent need for enhanced governmental and military action.
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