At least 26 people were killed on Monday after two vehicles struck a roadside bomb in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, residents and security sources said, highlighting the region’s persistent security challenges.
The incident occurred between the towns of Rann and Gamboru Ngala, an area repeatedly affected by violence. An internal security memo from the International Safety Organization confirmed that the vehicles hit an improvised explosive device (IED), killing 26 people and injuring three others.
Borno state police have yet to issue an official comment on the attack.
Armed groups operating in northeastern Nigeria have long used explosive devices to target civilians, security personnel, and humanitarian workers. The conflict, which began in 2009, has displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives.
Witnesses described scenes of severe destruction. A traveler on the same road, said the vehicles were “completely shattered” by the blast. Soldiers and members of the civilian joint task force responded swiftly, evacuating survivors and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
One witness, who lost a family member in the explosion, said the remains were unrecognizable and blamed the attack on fighters active in the area.
The blast adds to a series of deadly incidents that continue to destabilize communities across Borno state.