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.