IED Destroys Army Armoured Vehicle Escorting Motorists in Zamfara

An armoured personnel carrier belonging to the Nigerian Army has been destroyed by an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Keta–Dangibga road in Zamfara State.

Security sources said the incident occurred on Friday evening as soldiers were escorting civilian motorists along the route, which has recorded repeated attacks by armed groups. The convoy reportedly struck the explosive device during the movement.

A source familiar with the incident said the blast severely damaged the vehicle near the Mopol 2 area along the Keta–Dangibga axis. The explosion caused panic among travellers and residents in nearby communities.

As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties had not been confirmed.

The Keta–Dangibga road has remained a high-risk corridor, with armed groups frequently targeting security convoys and civilian vehicles using roadside explosives and ambush tactics.

In a separate development in January 2026, troops under Operation Hadin Kai carried out an intelligence-led operation along the Guduf–Pulka axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Security sources said three individuals suspected of planning suicide attacks were killed during the operation.

Counter-terrorism analyst Zagazola Makama cited security officials as saying troops recovered suicide vests and other IED components from the suspects. The materials were secured by the military.

According to the sources, troops also engaged armed escorts accompanying the suspects, forcing them to retreat toward the Mandara Mountains. Four AK-47 rifles were recovered, while two motorcycles allegedly used by the group were destroyed.