Islamic State claims responsibility for deadly Nigeria bombing that killed 26
The Islamic State's West African affiliate, known as IS West Africa Province, claimed responsibility for the bomb explosion in Nigeria that killed 26 people, including women and children.
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The explosions occurred on a busy thoroughfare linking Rann and Gamboru in Borno state, near the Cameroon border, according to Nigerian police spokesperson Nahum Daso's statement to The Associated Press. Several civilian vehicles from Rann were struck by multiple explosives positioned along the route.
A Toyota pickup van carrying local farmers and traders bore the brunt of the casualties when it struck a landmine, Daso reported.
The explosive was allegedly planted by members of IS West Africa Province. Three survivors received treatment at nearby medical facilities, whilst security forces secured the area and initiated clearance procedures.
Abba Modu, from the Civilian Joint Task Force vigilante group supporting military operations, suggested the explosives were likely intended for security forces who regularly patrol the route.
"Terrorists often plant IEDs in craters or under sand on severely damaged sections of roads, typically targeting soldiers," Modu said.
The
Islamic State West Africa Province
(ISWAP) acknowledged responsibility via a Telegram statement on Tuesday. ISWAP emerged in 2016 as a breakaway faction from
, disagreeing over leadership and civilian targeting strategies.
This ongoing conflict represents Africa's longest-running militant struggle, affecting neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
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UN reports indicate 35,000 civilian casualties and over 2 million displaced persons. Nigeria's northeast region continues to experience significant militant violence.
Earlier this month, another suspected extremist
roadside bombing
killed eight bus passengers in the northeast. On Tuesday, the Nigerian military appointed Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar as the new commander to lead operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies in the northeast, according to an official statement.
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