Amanze Chinonye
A Nigerian Army officer, Colonel I.A. Muhammad, and several soldiers are feared dead following an early morning ambush by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State, Prime Business Africa reports.
The attack, which occurred in the late hours of April 12, 2026, is said to have targeted a military convoy deployed under the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, Operation Hadin Kai, which coordinates joint operations against insurgents in the region.
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According to multiple security and frontline accounts, the attack began when insurgents struck a Forward Operating Base (FOB), triggering an urgent call for reinforcements. In response, Colonel Muhammad reportedly mobilised to lead a reinforcement team toward the frontline.
However, his mission was allegedly cut short when the convoy came under attack while advancing to support troops at the embattled position.
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Frontline soldiers said the convoy is believed to have driven into a remotely detonated explosive device planted along the route by attackers suspected to be fighters of ISWAP, a faction linked to the wider insurgency involving Boko Haram.
The explosion reportedly killed Colonel Muhammad instantly along with several soldiers accompanying him, though the exact casualty figure remains unconfirmed. Some accounts indicate at least four soldiers may have died, but military authorities have yet to verify the number.
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The Nigerian Army has not yet issued an official statement confirming the incident or providing an authoritative casualty figure as of press time.
The attack adds to a continuing pattern of deadly assaults on military convoys and bases in Borno State, where insurgent groups have intensified hit-and-run operations despite sustained military pressure.
Monguno remains a recurring flashpoint in the northeast conflict due to its strategic location near Lake Chad, an area frequently used as a movement corridor by insurgent fighters.
Further official details are expected as military authorities complete battlefield assessments and review operational reports from the area.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
