Truth Radar Times

June 22, 2026 06:08am

By Zainab Ma’aji Abdul

Two soldiers were reportedly killed and several others sustained injuries after an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly struck a military vehicle transporting troops to Bargaja community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The soldiers were said to be responding to an emergency call after armed bandits attacked the community in the early hours of Saturday, June 21, 2026.

Residents who spoke to Daily Trust said the attackers stormed the village between 12:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., firing indiscriminately and forcing locals to seek military assistance.

According to one resident, who requested anonymity, the bandits allegedly planted an explosive device along the Isa–Bargaja road before the troops arrived.

“They were coming to rescue us when their vehicle hit the explosive. Several soldiers were affected. One of them later made his way into the village seeking help after the blast and had a serious leg injury,” the resident said.

The witness stated that the explosion occurred on the road connecting Isa and Bargaja and expressed concern over what he described as the growing use of explosive devices by bandits.

“We saw the bodies of two soldiers, but we cannot confirm whether there were additional casualties,” he added, urging authorities to take swift action to improve security in the area.

Another resident who said he visited the military camp in Isa town to sympathize with the troops explained that members of the community hired two vehicles to offer condolences following the incident.

The resident claimed that three soldiers, including the driver of the vehicle, lost their lives in the attack and that one of the victims was severely impacted by the explosion. He added that the bodies of the deceased were later transported to Sokoto.

A separate source familiar with the situation alleged that the troops encountered a coordinated ambush while responding to the community’s distress call.

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 against the Hilux vehicle following behind.

“The APC was in front and was allowed through. The attackers then targeted the Hilux with gunfire and an explosive device,” the source alleged.

The source further claimed that one security operative fled into a nearby forest during the attack and that search efforts were underway to locate and rescue him.

He also said that residents, security personnel and the attackers exchanged gunfire throughout the night, leaving the community in a state of fear and uncertainty.

“We stayed awake all night because of the continuous gunfire. I cannot confirm the exact number of casualties yet. We need to wait until accurate information is gathered,” the source said.