Vehicle-borne IED kills a dozen soldiers, Civilian JTF in Borno

Vehicle-borne IED kills a dozen soldiers, Civilian JTF in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

A Boko Haram vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) killed more than a dozen soldiers and Civilian JTF members in the Timbuktu triangle of Sambisa Forest, Borno State.

The blast occurred on 20 January 2026 during ongoing counter-terrorism operations across parts of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

The Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Lt-Col. Sani Uba, confirmed the incident on Thursday in a statement in Maiduguri. He said troops encountered two VBIEDs while consolidating at a harbour area in Chilaria, one of the group’s hideouts.

According to him, troops neutralised the first vehicle through what he called “swift action.” The second vehicle breached the forward operating base and caused the casualties.

“With the troops’ vigilance, we neutralised one of the VBIEDs. The second one breached our defensive position and affected some of our logistics platforms,” Uba explained.

He said the blast killed several soldiers and civilian JTF members. Others sustained injuries on their limbs and heads.

Troops evacuated the wounded for treatment. They are now receiving care at the 7 Division Medical Hospital in Maiduguri.

Uba also noted that the Nigerian Air Force provided aerial support during the incident to protect ground forces operating in the Timbuktu triangle.

Commenting on the wider operations, he said the security situation across the Theatre Command “remains relatively stable”. He added that troops’ morale and fighting spirit remain high.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the Northeast region.