Tension In Borno As Suspected Boko Haram Fighters Ambush Gubio’s Convoy

The convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Mustapha Gubio, came under attack from suspected Boko Haram fighters while travelling along the Kareto-Damasak axis of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday afternoon as Gubio and members of his entourage travelled towards Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area, as part of a tour following his emergence as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate.

According to reports, the convoy was attacked around the Kareto community at about 2:30 p.m., with the suspected insurgents allegedly using improvised explosive devices, rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire.

A member of the entourage described the incident as a frightening experience, saying the attackers launched a heavy assault on the convoy before security personnel accompanying the politicians responded.

The security team reportedly included personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes.

The combined security personnel engaged the suspected attackers and succeeded in forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush.

The attack reportedly caused damage to at least one security vehicle, but no casualties were recorded among Gubio, his political team or other members of the main convoy.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, confirmed the incident, stating that police tactical operatives responded after suspected terrorists targeted the convoy with an IED and rocket-propelled grenades.

According to the police spokesperson, the tactical team successfully countered the attack and pushed the suspected terrorists away from the area.

The operatives subsequently searched and cleared the immediate surroundings to address possible secondary explosive threats before the convoy was evacuated to a secure location.

The development highlights the continuing security challenges along parts of northern Borno, particularly routes linking communities in the Damasak area where insurgent activity has remained a concern.

Gubio’s convoy was reportedly on a thank-you tour to members of the APC in the northern part of the state after his emergence as the party’s consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Despite the attack, the convoy was safely evacuated and no casualties were reported among the political entourage.