The Commanding Officer of the 242 Battalion in Monguno, Col. I.A. Mohammed, and six soldiers have been killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) allegedly planted by insurgents in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources said the officer died while leading a reinforcement mission after insurgents attacked a military formation on Sunday night. He was responding to a distress call from troops at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) under the 242 Battalion when the explosion occurred.
The incident comes amid fresh grief over the Jilli Market airstrike, where victims—mostly traders and customers—have begun recounting their experiences after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aerial operation reportedly killed over 200 people, according to residents and local authorities.
The latest attack underscores a surge in violence in the North-East. It occurred just three days after terrorists ambushed and killed the Brigade Commander of the 29 Task Force, Brig. Gen. Oseini Braimah, along with 17 soldiers in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area.
Confirming the Monguno incident, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said troops of Sector 3 came under a terrorist attack late on April 12 at the Charlie 13 location.
He said the troops repelled the assault after intense gunfire, forcing the attackers to flee while maintaining control of the area.
“Regrettably, the Commanding Officer, while courageously moving to assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which destroyed his vehicle, leading to his death alongside six other gallant personnel,” Uba said.
He described the late officer’s actions as a reflection of exemplary military leadership, noting that his decision to lead from the front, despite the danger, demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment to his troops.
Operation HADIN KAI said it deeply mourns the fallen officer and soldiers, vowing that their sacrifice in service to the nation will not be forgotten.
