Four Nigerian soldiers have been killed in Sokoto State after a military vehicle struck an explosive device believed to have been planted by armed bandits along the Bargaja road in Isa Local Government Area.
The incident occurred along the volatile route linking Isa to neighbouring communities, an area that has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months.
Security sources and eyewitness accounts said the explosion happened when a Nigerian Army patrol vehicle drove over an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the road. The blast reportedly killed all four soldiers on the spot and completely destroyed the vehicle.
A local source, reacting to the incident, said, “Today Saturday been 20th June, Nigerian military vehicle ran over a landmine planted by bandits on the Bargaja road in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which caused the death of 4 young soldiers,” the source said, while calling for an end to the violence in the area.
The Bargaja axis in Isa LGA has become increasingly dangerous due to recurring attacks by armed groups, making movement for both civilians and security personnel highly risky.
In a development that has further heightened tension, reports have emerged claiming that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has taken responsibility for the attack.
In a video circulating on social media, Turji allegedly said his group planted the IED that struck the military vehicle. However, security authorities have not verified the authenticity of the video or confirmed the claim.
Turji, who is known to operate across Zamfara, Sokoto and parts of Niger State, has previously been linked to several attacks on security forces and rural communities in the region.
At the time of filing this report, neither the Defence Headquarters nor the Sokoto State Government had issued an official statement on the incident.
Troops under Operation Fansan Yamma, which covers the North-West, have continued clearance operations against bandit groups in Isa, Sabon Birni and Goronyo local government areas.
Military sources say efforts are ongoing to strengthen patrols along high-risk routes, with increased deployment of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and mine-resistant vehicles. However, security challenges persist due to difficult terrain and evolving tactics by armed groups.
The incident underscores a growing concern over the increasing use of landmines and IEDs by bandit groups, a shift from their traditional tactics of kidnappings, cattle rustling and sporadic gun attacks.
Residents say repeated attacks have forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, worsening food insecurity and displacement across parts of Sokoto State.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have continued to mourn the fallen soldiers, describing their deaths as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by security personnel in the fight against insecurity in the North-West.
Civil society groups have also called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger surveillance systems and better protection of vulnerable communities to prevent further tragedies.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the attack and review operational strategies along Bargaja road and other high-risk corridors in the state as military operations intensify in the area.
