Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have attacked the convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Mustapha Gubio, along the Kareto-Damasak highway.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as Gubio and members of his entourage were returning to Maiduguri after a visit to Damasak in northern Borno State.
According to the Borno State Police Command, the convoy came under attack around 2:30 p.m. near Kareto. The attackers reportedly planted improvised explosive devices along the road and also fired rocket-propelled grenades at the convoy.
A security source said a police armoured vehicle leading the convoy triggered one of the explosives, resulting in a powerful blast.
Following the explosion, the attackers reportedly attempted to ambush the convoy, but security personnel attached to the movement quickly responded and engaged them.
The police said a combined team comprising personnel from the police, military and other security agencies, including the Civilian Joint Task Force and vigilante groups, repelled the attackers.
The Borno Police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed that no lives were lost in the attack. He added that the terrorists may have escaped with gunshot injuries after the security forces returned fire.
Despite the attack, the convoy continued its journey to Damasak and later proceeded towards Maiduguri.
The incident has renewed concerns over the security situation along major roads in northern Borno, particularly areas around the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak axis that have remained vulnerable to insurgent attacks.
Gubio emerged as the APC’s governorship candidate after the party’s recent primary process and has since commenced engagements with party members across the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest attack highlights the continuing security challenges facing political activities and movement in parts of Borno, where Boko Haram and affiliated insurgent groups remain active despite ongoing military operations.
