IED event in Nigeria on Sat 16th May 2026

Troops Survive IED Blast and Ambush Along Damboa–Maiduguri Route, Four Soldiers Injured 

By: Zagazola Makama

Four soldiers have sustained injuries following an improvised explosive device (IED) attack and subsequent ambush on troops along the Damboa–Kumala–Maiduguri main supply route in Borno State.

Sources reliably informed that the incident occurred at about 11:45 a.m. on May 16, 2026, approximately nine kilometres to Kumala junction in Konduga Local Government Area.

According to the sources, troops of 25 Brigade on dominance patrol encountered a command-detonated IED planted along the route, which was followed by an ambush laid by suspected terrorists.

The troops reportedly fought through the ambush, though four soldiers sustained injuries during the engagement.

Reinforcements from brigade headquarters, alongside an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, were deployed to the area to support the operation and secure the route.

The EOD team later discovered and safely neutralised another suspected IED along the axis.

Security sources added that 89 civilian vehicles were escorted safely to their destination, while 165 others were turned back to Damboa for safety reasons.

Military authorities said clearance operations were ongoing to ensure safe passage along the strategic highway.