MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — A devastating explosion in Nigeria’s troubled northeastern region has left at least 26 people dead and several others injured, according to local sources. The incident occurred on Monday in Borno State, a region long plagued by insurgent violence.
Residents report that two civilian vehicles struck a hidden improvised explosive device (IED) while traveling between the towns of Rann and Gamboru Ngala, triggering a powerful blast. The explosion is believed to be the work of Islamist extremists who have maintained a violent presence in the area for more than a decade.
An internal security update from the International Safety Organization, which supports foreign NGOs in the region, confirmed that the explosion resulted in 26 fatalities and three injuries. The memo, viewed by Reuters, detailed that both vehicles were destroyed upon impact.
As of the time of reporting, the Borno State Police Command has not issued an official statement.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and destruction. Liman Tom, a traveler who narrowly escaped the blast, recounted how military personnel and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force arrived swiftly to rescue survivors and transport them to nearby medical facilities.
One of the victims was a passenger in a vehicle reportedly driven by Abba Amma Muhammad’s family. Speaking with reporters, Muhammad emotionally revealed that his mother had been among the deceased. “I couldn’t even recognize her body,” he said, placing blame on the militant group Boko Haram.
For over 15 years, Borno State has been at the epicenter of a violent insurgency waged by Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These groups frequently deploy IEDs to target both civilians and security forces, making highways and remote roads especially dangerous.
The Nigerian government continues to face criticism over its inability to fully secure the northeast despite years of military operations and international support.
