Attack on convoy in Nigeria's Borno kills 15, soldiers say

OCTOBER 19, 2026 18:54At least 15 people, including 10 Nigerian soldiers and five members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, ​were killed when their convoy struck a landmine ‌and came under fire in northeastern Borno state, two soldiers said.The troops, from a battalion in Gamboru, were patrolling a road between ​Gamboru Ngala and neighboring Cameroon on Saturday when a ​pickup truck detonated a mine likely planted by ⁠Boko Haram insurgents, the sources said.Borno is the center of ​an insurgency led by Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, ​Islamic State West Africa Province. Despite sustained military operations, both groups continue to attack troops and civilians, using roadside bombs and ambushes in ​Nigeria's northeast and around its borders.Military spokesperson Captain Mohammed ​Goni declined requests for comment.Eight soldiers traveling in the vehicle were killed ‌instantly. ⁠Gunmen then opened fire on a second vehicle, killing two more soldiers and five members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, which assists the military, the sources said, asking ​not to be ​identified because ⁠they were not authorized to speak to the media.Nigerian soldiers take part in a search and rescue simulation exercise at the Maiduguri Air Force Base on August 2, 2026. (illustrative) (credit: AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES) Suspected Boko Haram attacks on Nigerian troops continue in Borno stateSix wounded soldiers were taken to Maimalari ​Military Hospital in Maiduguri for treatment, the sources said.Reuters could not independently verify the casualty figures.Last week, suspected Boko Haram fighters killed at least 10 soldiers and wounded at ⁠least ​20 others in a coordinated assault ​on an army base in Borno state.Follow us on Google