At least 27 Nigerian soldiers lost their lives in a devastating jihadist suicide attack in northeastern Nigeria, according to military sources.
The attack, described as one of the deadliest in recent years, occurred during a military operation against Islamic State-linked militants.
The incident took place on Friday night, around 8:30 PM GMT, during a ground offensive targeting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious militant stronghold spanning parts of Borno and Yobe states.
A suicide bomber reportedly drove an explosives-laden vehicle, concealed in dense foliage, directly into a convoy of advancing troops.
The explosion killed 27 soldiers, including the commanding officer, and left several others critically injured. Military officials, speaking anonymously, indicated that the casualty count could rise as some of the wounded were in severe condition.
The nighttime attack added to the challenges faced by the troops, as limited visibility hindered their ability to secure the surroundings.
Nigerian military officials have not yet issued a statement on the incident.
ISWAP, a faction that broke away from Boko Haram in 2016, has become the dominant jihadist group in the region. The group controls areas previously held by Boko Haram, including the Timbuktu Triangle and Sambisa Forest, which serve as key strongholds.
ISWAP is known for using suicide bombers and planting explosives to target military forces.
The ongoing conflict, which has spanned 15 years, has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced approximately two million people in northeastern Nigeria.
The violence has also spilled into neighboring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, prompting the formation of a regional task force to combat the militants.
This attack underscores the continued threat posed by ISWAP and highlights the significant challenges faced by the Nigerian military in its efforts to restore stability to the region.
