Tragedy struck in Sokoto State after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated beneath a military vehicle carrying Nigerian troops on an emergency reinforcement mission, killing two soldiers and leaving another injured.
The deadly explosion occurred along the road linking Tidibale and Gidan Kara in Isa Local Government Area as the soldiers moved to respond to a security threat in the area.
Sources said the incident happened on Tuesday evening while the troops were heading to Tagirke community in neighbouring Sabon Birni Local Government Area following an attack by armed bandits.
A security source, Bakatsine, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, revealing that the soldiers were deployed as reinforcement to assist communities under attack when their vehicle struck the explosive device.
“Last night, two Nigerian soldiers were killed and another was injured after their vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) between Tidibale and Gidan Kara in Isa LGA of Sokoto State.
“The troops were on a reinforcement mission to Tagirke community in neighbouring Sabon Birni LGA following a bandit attack when the explosion occurred.”
The incident underscores the growing use of Improvised Explosive Devices by armed groups operating across Nigeria’s North-West region, where bandits have increasingly adopted more sophisticated tactics in attacks against security personnel.
Sokoto State, alongside Zamfara State and Katsina State, remains one of the regions hardest hit by banditry and violent attacks.
Armed gangs have repeatedly raided villages, killed residents, abducted victims for ransom and forced thousands of people to flee their homes despite ongoing military operations aimed at restoring peace to the region.
Several communities across the three states continue to face persistent attacks, with residents living under the constant threat of renewed violence.
