Monday, June 22, 2026 - Two soldiers were reportedly k!lled and several others injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly exploded on a military vehicle conveying troops to Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The troops were said to be responding to a distress call
following a bandit attack on the community in the early hours of Saturday, June
21, 2026.
Residents told Daily Trust that armed bandits invaded the
village between 12:30am and 3:00am, shooting sporadically and forcing residents
to seek military intervention.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged that
the attackers planted an IED along the Isa-Bargaja road before the arrival of
the troops.
"They were on their way to rescue us when the vehicle
hit the explosive. Many soldiers were affected. One of the soldiers involved in
the incident later ran into our village seeking help after the explosion,” he
said, adding that the soldier sustained serious injuries on his leg.
The resident said the incident occurred on a section of the
road linking Isa and Bargaja and expressed concern over what he described as
the increasing use of explosive devices by bandits.
“We have seen the bodies of two soldiers, but we cannot say
whether there were more casualties,” he said, calling on the authorities to
take urgent measures to address the security situation.
Another resident who claimed to have visited the military
camp in Isa town to condole with the troops said they travelled from Bargaja to
sympathise with the soldiers following the incident.
“We hired two vehicles from our community and went to Isa to
condole with the military over the loss of their personnel,” he said.
The source claimed that three soldiers, including a driver,
lost their lives in the attack, adding that one of the victims was severely
affected by the explosion.
He said the remains of the deceased personnel were later
evacuated to Sokoto.
Another source who is familiar with the developments in the
area also alleged that the troops came under a coordinated ambush while
responding to the distress call from residents.
According to the source, the attackers allowed an Armoured
Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicle leading the convoy to pass before targeting a
Hilux vehicle behind it with gunfire and an explosive device.
“The APC was at the front and was allowed to pass. The
attackers then opened fire and detonated an explosive device targeting the
Hilux behind it,” the source alleged.
He added that one of the security personnel reportedly fled
into a nearby forest during the incident and that efforts were ongoing to
locate and rescue him.
The source further said residents, security personnel and
the attackers were engaged in exchanges throughout the night, creating tension
across the area.
“We never slept yesterday because of the sound of gunfire. I
can’t confirm the exact number of the casualties. Wait till after we gathered
the accurate information about the incident,” the source said.
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