Police Reveal How Boko Haram Attacked APC Candidate’s Convoy

The Borno State Police Command has disclosed details of a Boko Haram attack on APC candidate Mustapha Gubio’s convoy, saying suspected terrorists used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) in an ambush along the Kareto-Damasak road.

Gubio, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, was travelling with his entourage on Thursday, September 3, 2026, when the convoy came under attack in northern Borno.

Police spokesman ASP Kenneth Daso said the incident occurred at about 2:30pm around Kareto community as the convoy was returning to Maiduguri from Damasak.

The APC candidate and his team had travelled to Damasak as part of a thank-you visit following Gubio’s emergence as the party’s consensus governorship candidate.

According to the police, the attackers planted explosives along the route before opening fire on the convoy with RPGs. A combined team of police officers, soldiers, members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes responded to the attack. citeturn0search11turn0search14

Police said the security forces succeeded in repelling the attackers and securing the area.

No member of Gubio’s entourage, security personnel or civilians was reported killed in the attack. However, a police armoured vehicle was damaged during the encounter. citeturn0search12turn0search14

The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, also confirmed the incident, saying tactical operatives countered the suspected terrorists and forced them to retreat into the surrounding bush.

He said the security team subsequently searched and cleared the area to guard against secondary explosive devices, while the convoy was evacuated to a secure location. citeturn0search13

The attack has drawn renewed attention to the security situation in northern Borno, an area that has remained affected by insurgent activity.

Vanguard reported that the convoy came under heavy attack while travelling along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway, while PUNCH independently reported the timing of the attack and confirmation from the Borno police command that there were no fatalities. citeturn0search12turn0search13

Legit.ng had earlier reported that the attackers allegedly planted landmines before the convoy arrived, with an armoured police vehicle triggering one of the explosives. The resulting blast was followed by gunfire and an exchange with security personnel. citeturn0search10turn0news5

The incident occurred as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 elections, although there is no indication from the authorities that the attack was connected specifically to the electoral process.

Security agencies are expected to continue investigations into the incident and efforts to prevent further attacks along the route.

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