Borno APC candidate, Gubio attacked by ISWAP as security forces repel deadly ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
The convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Mustapha Gubio, came under attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along the Gubio–Kareto–Damasak road on Thursday evening.
Gubio and members of his entourage were reportedly returning to Maiduguri after a thank-you visit to Damasak, a border town in northern Borno State, when the convoy encountered an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the highway.
A security source said a CRACK operational armoured vehicle leading the convoy ran over the explosive, resulting in a powerful blast that completely destroyed the vehicle.
The source said there were no casualties among the occupants of the convoy.
Following the explosion, the suspected ISWAP fighters reportedly attempted to exploit the incident by launching an ambush on the convoy.
Security personnel comprising troops of the Nigerian military, the police and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) quickly took defensive positions and engaged the attackers.
The security forces successfully repelled the terrorists, preventing them from advancing towards the main convoy or inflicting further damage.
The APC candidate and other members of the entourage were subsequently secured following the engagement.
The incident has heightened concerns over the security situation along the Damasak axis, which has remained vulnerable to attacks by insurgents.
The destroyed armoured vehicle was reportedly left severely damaged at the scene of the explosion, while security forces maintained control of the route.
