The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, narrowly escaped what could have been a major terrorist attack after suspected Boko Haram insurgents ambushed his convoy along the volatile Gubio–Kareto–Damasak highway.
The attack occurred on Thursday as Gubio and members of his entourage were returning to Maiduguri after a thank-you visit to Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area in northern Borno.
The convoy came under attack around the Kareto axis, with suspected terrorists deploying improvised explosive devices and firearms against the security formation escorting the politician.
According to a security source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the insurgents had planted landmines along the road in anticipation of the convoy’s return from Damasak.
The source said a police armoured vehicle leading the convoy ran over one of the explosives, triggering a powerful blast that severely damaged the vehicle.
“We entered Damasak safely and spent about 40 minutes there. On our way back, the insurgents planted mines on the road, and the armoured vehicle that led the convoy drove over it and exploded,” the source said.
The explosion was reportedly followed by an attempt by the insurgents to close in on the convoy and launch a coordinated ambush.
The security personnel, however, quickly took defensive positions and engaged the attackers before they could overrun the convoy.
“We had to park and take positions, waiting for the remaining vehicles in the convoy to arrive. In the course of waiting, we noticed the movement of the insurgents and swiftly engaged them,” another source said.
Reports from the scene indicated that the attackers also used rocket-propelled grenades and sporadic gunfire during the assault.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, who confirmed the attack said tactical operatives counter-engaged suspected terrorists who attacked the convoy.
He said the attackers were forced to withdraw while security personnel scanned and cleared the immediate area for possible secondary explosives.
The police said the convoy, conveying a gubernatorial candidate, government officials and political stakeholders, was safely evacuated to a secure location and that no casualties were recorded among members of the entourage.
Although Gubio and his entourage reportedly escaped unharmed, the police armoured vehicle suffered extensive damage from the explosion.
Damasak, a border town approximately 190 kilometres from Maiduguri, has remained one of the key flashpoints in the state’s prolonged insurgency.
The Gubio–Kareto–Damasak road is considered one of the more dangerous routes in northern Borno because of its strategic location and its proximity to areas where insurgent groups have historically operated.
The corridor provides connectivity between communities around Lake Chad and other areas of Borno and neighbouring Yobe State. Security assessments have repeatedly identified the wider area as vulnerable to roadside IED attacks, ambushes and terrorist movements.
