Claims circulating in the media that 26 Nigerian soldiers were killed in a landmine explosion in Borno State on April 29, 2025, have been confirmed to be false. Verified military sources have clarified that only two soldiers died in the incident, with one other sustaining injuries.
The inaccurate reports, which also alleged that 20 other soldiers were wounded and taken to a military hospital in Maiduguri, sparked widespread concern. However, investigations reveal that the figures may have stemmed from a mix-up with an unrelated IED attack on civilians in the Kalabalge area.
According to military accounts, the explosion occurred at approximately 10:05 a.m. during a routine escort and Military Supply Route (MSR) patrol between Damboa and Komala XP. A hidden explosive device went off, tragically killing Corporal Hassan Mohammed (NA/66/9990) and Private Victor Nwite (NA/85/10829), while Private Jatto Mukhtar (NA/86/2851) was injured.
The injured soldier and the remains of the deceased were quickly evacuated to the 25 Brigade Field Ambulance and later airlifted to Maiduguri for further treatment and proper handling.
In a separate but related development, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle deployed for the rescue operation caught fire, reportedly due to an electrical or mechanical fault. The fire led to an explosion after igniting onboard ammunition, prompting troops to temporarily withdraw for safety. The damaged vehicle was eventually recovered and returned to base.
Authorities have reaffirmed that only two fatalities were recorded, directly debunking the exaggerated reports. Security operatives on the ground remain on high alert as the situation in the area remains tense.
This clarification aims to correct the misinformation and provide the public with accurate and verified details about the incident.
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