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Fact Check: Claims of 26 Soldiers Killed in ISWAP landmine is FALSE, Only 2 Soldiers Confirmed Died with one injured
Fact Check: Claims of 26 Soldiers Killed in ISWAP landmine is FALSE, Only 2 Soldiers Confirmed Died with one injured
By; Zagazola Makama
Recent reports suggesting that 26 soldiers were killed in a landmine attack in Borno State on April 29, 2025, have been debunked following a detailed investigation. According to military sources and verified accounts, only two soldiers lost their lives in the explosion, with one sustaining injury.
The initial reports, which claimed that 26 soldiers were killed and 20 others injured in the incident, circulated widely, causing confusion and alarm. However, a thorough fact check reveals that the true nature of the event is far less devastating than what was initially reported.
The repoter may have mistaken, the figures of the IEDs attack on Civilians along Kalabalge with the attack on troops along the Damboa Road.
The incident occurred around 10:05 AM on April 29, 2025, while Nigerian military personnel were carrying out a routine Military Supply Route (MSR) dominance and escort duty for civilians traveling from Damboa to Komala XP. The explosive device detonated along the route, killing Corporal Hassan Mohammed (NA/66/9990) and Private Victor Nwite (NA/85/10829). Additionally, Private Jatto Mukhtar (NA/86/2851) was injured in the blast.
Subsequent to the explosion, military personnel acted swiftly to evacuate the casualties to the 25 Brigade Field Ambulance, where they were treated before being airlifted to Maiduguri for further medical care.
Contrary to the claims of 26 soldiers being killed and 20 soldiers with serious injuries, who were transported to the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army hospital in Maiduguri.
In the aftermath of the IED attack, another incident occurred when one of the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which was deployed to assist with the casualty evacuation, caught fire. The fire, which was believed to have been caused by an electrical or mechanical fault, spread quickly and ignited the vehicle’s ammunition. Despite efforts to control the flames, the explosion forced troops to retreat to a safe distance. After the fire was put out, the damaged vehicle was recovered and returned to base.
The situation remains highly volatile, and troops have been advised to maintain maximum alertness as the security situation continues to evolve.
However, the official figures confirm that the casualty count remains at two fatalities, not the 26 soldiers reported earlier.
This fact check serves to clarify the misinformation surrounding the tragic attack and provide the public with accurate information regarding the incident.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces, have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 1:00 p.m. on July 4 to reports of a confrontation between local residents and a suspected terrorist at a Ruga settlement behind Obajana community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly intervened and arrested one suspect at the scene.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a terrorist group led by an individual identified as Haruna, which allegedly operates within the Okene general area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to establish the extent of his involvement and identify other members of the group.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across Kogi State.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
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