The convoy of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Borno State, Mustapha Gubio, came under attack by suspected terrorists on Thursday while travelling along the Kareto-Damasak Road in northern Borno.
The incident occurred at about 2:30pm as Gubio and members of his entourage travelled towards Damasak as part of an appreciation tour following his emergence as the APC’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
According to reports, the convoy came under heavy attack around the Kareto community, with suspected insurgents reportedly using explosives and firearms.
A security source said a police armoured vehicle leading the convoy triggered an improvised explosive device planted along the road. The blast reportedly damaged the vehicle before security personnel accompanying the convoy engaged the attackers.
The attackers were subsequently forced to retreat into the surrounding bush following a response from security operatives.
The security team reportedly comprised military personnel, police officers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, among others.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the spokesman for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said no member of Gubio’s entourage was killed in the attack.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, also said police tactical operatives counter-engaged the suspected terrorists after the convoy was attacked with an improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenades.
Iniedu said the security team forced the attackers to retreat and subsequently searched the area to guard against possible secondary explosive threats.
He added that the convoy, which included the governorship candidate, government officials and political stakeholders, was safely evacuated to a secure location.
The incident occurred as Gubio continued his tour of northern Borno to thank party members for their support following his emergence as the APC’s consensus candidate.
The Gubio-Kareto-Damasak corridor remains a major security concern because of persistent insurgent activity and previous threats involving roadside explosives and ambushes.
No casualty was recorded among members of Gubio’s entourage, although reports indicate that a security vehicle was damaged during the incident.
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