BREAKING: 8 Killed in Boko Haram IED Attack Along Maiduguri-Damboa Road

At least eight people have been confirmed dead after a deadly explosion rocked the Maiduguri-Damboa Road on Saturday. The blast, caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), is believed to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents.

The tragic incident occurred on a section of the highway that was recently reopened after years of closure due to insurgent activity. The route, which cuts through the notorious Sambisa Forest, has long been considered one of the most dangerous in Borno State.

Eyewitnesses and local sources confirmed the attack, including Maiduguri resident Lawan Maigana, who revealed that both civilians and military personnel were among the casualties.

According to reports from Channels TV, the explosion struck a convoy of vehicles under military escort, transporting passengers from Damboa to Maiduguri.

Speaking on the incident, Maigana said:
“The road to my hometown in Damboa has always been perilous. Over the years, we’ve lost brave soldiers and innocent residents to Boko Haram. Today’s attack claimed eight lives and highlights the urgent need to strengthen security measures. May Allah protect us all and grant peace to the souls of the departed.”

The federal and Borno state governments are yet to issue official statements on the attack at the time of filing this report.

Credit: Umar Audu | April 12, 2025