..IED hits military convoy responding to distress call
..Incident follows deadly assault on Benisheikh formation
The Commanding Officer of the 242 Battalion in Monguno, Borno State, Col. I.A. Mohammed, and six soldiers have been killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents.
The incident occurred in Monguno Local Government Area as the officer led a reinforcement mission following an overnight attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) linked to his battalion.
Local sources said Col. Mohammed was responding to a distress call from troops under heavy attack when his vehicle ran into the explosive device. The insurgents were said to have launched a coordinated assault on the base on Sunday night, prompting urgent military intervention.
Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the attack took place late on April 12, when troops of Sector 3 came under what he described as an isolated terrorist assault on a military position in Monguno.
He noted that troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, eventually repelling them and retaining control of the location.
“Regrettably, the Commanding Officer, while courageously proceeding to the troops’ location to personally assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which severely damaged his vehicle, leading to his death alongside six other gallant personnel,” Uba said.
He described the late officer’s actions as a demonstration of exemplary military leadership, marked by courage, selflessness, and a commitment to leading from the front.
“The willingness of the Commanding Officer to advance towards the frontline, even after the immediate threat had been subdued, reflects his deep sense of duty and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his troops,” he added.
The Joint Task Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that the fallen soldiers paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
The latest incident comes barely three days after another deadly attack in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, where the Brigade Commander of the 29 Task Force, Brig. Gen. Oseini Braimah, and at least 17 soldiers were killed during an assault by suspected insurgents.
Military authorities say operations are ongoing to contain terrorist activities in the North-East, even as concerns grow over renewed attacks targeting security formations.
