One killed, nine injured as suspected Boko Haram IED hits passenger in Borno

One person was killed and nine others injured after a passenger trailer triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Komala village axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

The explosion occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on July 2 when the trailer, driven by Isa Uba, was travelling from Maiduguri to Damboa, according to security sources cited by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama.

The sources said the IED was suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the busy road.

The blast reportedly killed one passenger on the spot, while nine others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Following the incident, a joint security response team comprising military personnel, police tactical units, Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) operatives, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters was deployed to the scene.

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The injured victims were evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, while the body of the deceased was taken to the hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed the death before it was released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Security sources said EOD personnel successfully cleared the area of any additional explosive threats after the blast, while security forces intensified combing operations around the scene to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of road users.

The latest incident underscores the persistent threat posed by improvised explosive devices in parts of Borno State, despite ongoing military operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Security agencies have continued to urge motorists and commuters to remain vigilant while travelling along routes vulnerable to insurgent activities.