Mustapha Gubio, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Borno State, survived an attack on his convoy along the Kareto-Damasak highway on Thursday at approximately 2:30pm. The convoy was targeted with an improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenades by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. Gubio was travelling to Damasak as part of an appreciation tour when the attack occurred.
Security agents in the convoy repelled the assault, with an Armoured Personnel Carrier absorbing the initial blast and providing cover during the exchange of gunfire. The APC was destroyed after detonating an IED but prevented the insurgents from advancing. No casualties were recorded among Gubio's team or security personnel. Police confirmed that the area was scanned and cleared of secondary explosive threats before the convoy proceeded to its destination.
Nahum Daso, Police Public Relations Officer for Borno Command, confirmed the incident on Friday, stating that the attackers were repelled by combined security efforts and may have sustained gunshot injuries. Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer, said tactical operatives forced the terrorists to retreat into nearby bushes and ensured the safe evacuation of all convoy members to a secure location. The convoy included government officials and political stakeholders, according to police reports.
The attack on Mustapha Gubio's convoy shows that even high-level political movements in Borno remain vulnerable to insurgent strikes despite heavy security. If insurgents can target a candidate with military-grade weapons on a known route, the safety of civilians using the same roads is even more uncertain.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
