How terrorists ambushed APC guber candidate’s convoy in Borno

Fresh violence has been reported in Borno State as rival factions of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) engaged in deadly fighting in the Sambisa Forest, while suspected insurgents separately attacked the convoy of APC governorship candidate Mustapha Gubio.

At least 23 terrorists were reportedly killed in the renewed clashes around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area, according to security sources familiar with the development.

The fighting reportedly began after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members who were advancing into the area, triggering sustained exchanges of gunfire between the two rival factions.

Videos shared by security and counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama reportedly captured intense fighting between the groups as they battled for control of territory and strategic positions within the vast Sambisa Forest.

Intelligence reports indicated that more than 23 fighters had been killed on both sides since the clashes began, although the precise casualty figures for each faction remained unclear.

The latest confrontation highlights the continuing rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP, which have repeatedly fought over territorial control, access routes, resources and influence over fighters operating across the North-East.

The two groups, despite sharing a history of insurgency in the region, have developed into rival factions with competing leadership structures and operational interests. Their rivalry has periodically produced deadly clashes, particularly in areas where one faction attempts to expand into territory controlled by the other.

The latest fighting also comes amid renewed security concerns in northern Borno, where communities and major roads remain vulnerable to attacks by insurgents.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command confirmed that suspected terrorists ambushed the convoy of APC governorship candidate Mustapha Gubio on Thursday.

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The attack occurred at about 2:30 p.m. around Kareto community, along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway, as Gubio and members of his entourage were returning to Maiduguri from Damasak.

The APC candidate had travelled to Damasak as part of an appreciation visit to party supporters following his emergence as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Borno State.

According to the police, the attackers laid an ambush using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and fired several rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) at the convoy.

The attack was met with a rapid response from security personnel attached to the convoy. Officers and operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, NSCDC, DSS, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups reportedly engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw into the surrounding bush.

Police authorities said the convoy was subsequently moved to a safe location after the route was searched and cleared for possible secondary explosives.

No deaths were recorded among the candidate, members of the convoy, security personnel or civilians, according to the police.

However, a police armoured vehicle was damaged during the attack after reportedly triggering an explosive device planted along the road.

The incident has renewed attention on the security situation along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway, one of the routes connecting communities in northern Borno where insurgent activity remains a concern.

The proximity of the latest convoy attack to the reported Boko Haram–ISWAP clashes in Sambisa has further highlighted the fluid nature of the security situation in Borno, where rival insurgent factions continue to compete for territory while security agencies conduct counter-terrorism operations.

Security forces are expected to maintain surveillance around Sambisa Forest, Bama, Gubio, Kareto and Damasak to prevent further attacks and track movements by the rival insurgent factions.

The latest developments also come as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 Borno governorship election, raising concerns about the security of political campaigns and movements in areas affected by insurgency.

Authorities have urged residents in affected communities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.

How terrorists ambushed APC guber candidate’s convoy in Borno