The military vehicle, which belongs to Major General MLD Sara, the Theatre Commander of Sector 2 Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) in Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) of the Nigerian Army, exploded after hitting a hidden bomb planted by Boko Haram terrorists. This incident happened in Kukareta, Yobe State.
The attack was planned by militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, known as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād.
The purpose of the attack was to target soldiers. A soldier was injured during the explosion, and unfortunately, the vehicle sustained significant damage. The driver of the vehicle also suffered a leg injury.
However, Major General Sara and another army officer who were in the vehicle were not harmed.
This incident occurred while Major General Sara was conducting an assessment trip to a military formation, specifically the 233 Battalion on the outskirts of Kukareta.
The area had previously been attacked by terrorists. The attack on the town resulted in the death of a mobile policeman and two civilians.
A military signal reported that the explosion happened at the entrance gate to the military camp during Major General Sara’s visit.
While the driver sustained a leg injury and the vehicle was damaged, Major General Sara and his radio operator escaped unharmed.
The military is currently assessing the situation, and a thorough investigation has been initiated.
ISWAP has been strengthening its presence in areas around Lake Chad following the death of the leader of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād (JAS), Abubakar Shekau.
Many Boko Haram fighters have switched allegiance to ISWAP since Shekau’s demise, leading to an increase in ISWAP’s membership.
