Two soldiers have reportedly been killed while several others sustained injuries after an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly exploded on a military vehicle conveying troops to Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The troops were reportedly responding to a distress call following a bandit attack on the community in the early hours of Saturday, June 21, 2026.
Residents said armed bandits invaded the village between 12:30am and 3:00am, shooting sporadically and forcing community members to seek military assistance.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the attackers planted an explosive device along the Isa-Bargaja road before the arrival of the troops.
“They were on their way to rescue us when the vehicle hit the explosive. Many soldiers were affected. One of the soldiers involved in the incident later ran into our village seeking help after the explosion,” the resident said.
He added that the soldier sustained serious injuries to his leg and expressed concern over the alleged increasing use of explosive devices by bandits operating in the area.
“We have seen the bodies of two soldiers, but we cannot say whether there were more casualties,” he said, urging authorities to take urgent measures to address the security situation.
Another resident who said he visited the military camp in Isa town to sympathise with troops following the incident claimed that members of the community travelled to the camp after the attack.
“We hired two vehicles from our community and went to Isa to condole with the military over the loss of their personnel,” he said.
The resident alleged that three soldiers, including a driver, lost their lives in the attack, adding that one of the victims was severely affected by the explosion.
He said the remains of the deceased personnel were later evacuated to Sokoto.
Another source familiar with developments in the area alleged that the troops were subjected to a coordinated ambush while responding to the distress call from residents.
According to the source, the attackers allowed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) leading the convoy to pass before opening fire and detonating an explosive device on a Hilux vehicle behind it.
“The APC was at the front and was allowed to pass. The attackers then opened fire and detonated an explosive device targeting the Hilux behind it,” the source alleged.
The source further claimed that one security personnel fled into a nearby forest during the attack, with efforts ongoing to locate and rescue him.
Residents said the community experienced tension throughout the night as security personnel and attackers engaged in exchanges of gunfire.
“We never slept yesterday because of the sound of gunfire. I can’t confirm the exact number of the casualties. Wait till after we gathered the accurate information about the incident,” the source said.
Security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident at the time of filing the report.
