At least nine Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following an explosion caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by Boko Haram near Gubio in Borno State. Several other soldiers sustained injuries in the attack, according to a military source who spoke exclusively with SaharaReporters.

The soldiers were traveling from Maiduguri when they stopped at a roadside camp before continuing their journey the next day. The source clarified that the incident was not an ambush by gunmen but a deadly explosion triggered by the planted devices. Fatalities continued to rise after the initial blast, with eight soldiers dying on Sunday and one more passing away on Monday morning.

The victims were part of the 145 Damasak unit under the 5 Brigade, Maiduguri, Borno State. A video obtained by SaharaReporters showed multiple Nigerian Army personnel lying lifeless, with injuries consistent with high-powered explosive blasts.

This incident is the latest in a string of deadly attacks on Nigerian troops in the North-East, where Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents continue to target military convoys and patrols using both gunfire and explosive devices. A similar attack in November 2025 resulted in multiple soldier and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) casualties, as well as the abduction of a serving Brigade Commander.

As of now, the Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement regarding the circumstances of the explosion or the casualties.