Borno State APC governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio, has escaped unhurt after suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attacked his convoy along the Kareto-Damasak Road.
The incident occurred at about 2:30pm on Thursday while Gubio and members of his entourage were travelling to Damasak for an appreciation tour.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed that no member of the convoy was killed in the attack.
Police spokesman, ASP Nahum Daso, said suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists ambushed the convoy around Kareto.
“Yesterday (Thursday) around 2:30pm, the convoy of the APC gubernatorial candidate was attacked along Kareto by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. No lives were lost,” Daso said.
He added that one of the attackers was believed to have sustained a gunshot injury during the confrontation.
Despite the attack, the convoy continued its journey to Damasak after security forces secured the route.
Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the attackers used an improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenades against the convoy.
He said police tactical operatives engaged the terrorists and forced them to retreat into the surrounding bush.
According to Hundeyin, security personnel subsequently scanned and cleared the area for possible secondary explosives.
The convoy members were then evacuated to a secure location before continuing their journey.
“No casualties were recorded,” Hundeyin said.
A source travelling with the convoy told PUNCH Online that the confrontation was brief but could have caused casualties without the intervention of security personnel.
The source confirmed that the attackers used an IED and rocket-propelled grenades.
“The attack happened very briefly. The atmosphere later became calm and we proceeded to our destination,” the source said.
The source added that security personnel overpowered the attackers before conducting a sweep of the area.
“The insurgents were overpowered by the security team. After the attack, police scanned and cleared the area before we proceeded,” the source said.
No arrest of the suspected terrorists has been reported so far.
Gubio was in northern Borno as part of his ongoing appreciation tour when the attack occurred.
The incident underscores the continuing security challenges facing parts of northern Borno, where suspected insurgents remain active.
However, the swift response by security forces prevented casualties and allowed the APC candidate and his entourage to reach Damasak safely.
