Borno / Benue, Nigeria — A colonel and six soldiers of the Nigerian Army have been killed by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, even as separate attacks in Benue State left a mobile police officer and 13 others dead.
The military casualties occurred during an attack on troops under Operation HADIN KAI in Monguno. According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Sani Uba, the incident happened late on April 12, 2026, when troops of Sector 3 came under what he described as an isolated terrorist attack on a military position.
Uba said troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce exchange of gunfire and eventually repelled the attackers, maintaining control of the location.
However, tragedy struck shortly after the fighting. The Commanding Officer, who was moving to assess the situation, reportedly drove into an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which detonated and destroyed his vehicle.
“Regrettably, the Commanding Officer, while courageously proceeding to the troops’ location to personally assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device,” Uba said, noting that the explosion led to his death alongside six other soldiers.
He praised the fallen officer’s leadership, describing his actions as a reflection of “the highest traditions of military leadership, courage, and selfless service,” adding that his decision to move toward the frontlines despite the danger underscored his commitment to his troops.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, suspected armed herdsmen reportedly attacked communities in Otukpo and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State, killing a mobile police officer and 13 others. The attacks have heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of the country.
Authorities say security operations are ongoing in both regions, as efforts continue to track down the perpetrators and prevent further violence.