Roadside Bomb Kills 26 in Nigeria’s Borno State Amid Renewed Insurgent Violence

At least 26 civilians, including women and children, were killed on Monday when a truck struck an improvised explosive device (IED) in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State, near the border with Cameroon. The blast occurred amid a resurgence of violence in the region, which has long been plagued by armed groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). ([At least 18 killed, dozens injured in Nigeria suicide attacks](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/30/at-least-18-killed-dozens-injured-in-nigeria-suicide-attacks?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

A military officer, speaking anonymously to AFP, confirmed the fatalities: "Twenty-six people died in the blast, comprising of 16 men, four women and six children." Three additional passengers sustained severe injuries.

The International NGO Safety Organisation reported that vehicles traveling between the towns of Rann and Gamboru Ngala hit the IED. Akram Saad, a resident of Rann, participated in the burial of the victims, noting that many were burned beyond recognition. Footage from Rann’s general hospital showed rows of bodies in white plastic bags. ([‘Heartbreaking’: 86 killed in Nigeria tanker explosion - Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/18/heartbreaking-more-than-60-killed-in-nigeria-tanker-explosion?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Abba Amma Muhammad, who lost his mother in the explosion, attributed the incident to Boko Haram.

This attack is part of a broader escalation in violence in northeastern Nigeria. Earlier on Monday, Boko Haram reportedly killed about 10 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force in Adamawa State. Additionally, 14 farmers were killed in Borno’s Gwoza district on Thursday. ([At least 18 killed, dozens injured in Nigeria suicide attacks](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/30/at-least-18-killed-dozens-injured-in-nigeria-suicide-attacks?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum expressed concerns over the entrenchment of Boko Haram and ISWAP in areas like the Lake Chad islands, Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara mountains, attributing it to recent military setbacks.

Despite government claims of defeating these insurgent groups, attacks continue, underscoring the persistent insecurity in the region.