Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have attacked the convoy of Mustapha Gubio, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, in an incident that once again highlights the continuing security challenges confronting communities and political activities in northern Borno.
The attack reportedly occurred along the Kareto–Damasak Road at about 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, while Gubio and members of his entourage were travelling to Damasak as part of a thank-you tour following his emergence as the APC’s governorship candidate.
According to reports, the convoy came under attack around the Kareto area as suspected terrorists launched an ambush involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and sporadic gunfire.
The attack was reportedly met with an immediate response from the security personnel attached to the convoy. Police authorities said tactical operatives counter-engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush. Security personnel subsequently searched and cleared the immediate area to guard against possible secondary explosive devices before evacuating the convoy to a secure location.
The security team reportedly included personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups. Their intervention prevented the attack from escalating into a major casualty incident.
Importantly, police authorities confirmed that no member of Gubio’s entourage was killed in the attack. Borno State Police spokesman ASP Nahum Daso said the suspected attackers may have suffered at least one gunshot injury during the exchange with security forces. He also confirmed that the incident did not prevent the convoy from continuing its journey.
Some reports indicated that police armoured vehicles sustained damage during the encounter. Other accounts reported that an armoured vehicle leading the convoy triggered an IED before the terrorists opened fire, although details surrounding the exact sequence of the attack varied between reports.
The incident is particularly significant because Gubio is not simply a political aspirant but the APC’s officially endorsed candidate for the 2027 Borno State governorship election. He emerged as the party’s consensus candidate earlier this year and was subsequently produced as the APC flagbearer at the party’s governorship primary.
The attack also underscores the security difficulties associated with travelling through parts of northern Borno, where insurgent groups have continued to pose threats despite sustained military and security operations.
For Gubio and his political team, what was intended as a goodwill and appreciation tour to party supporters quickly turned into a dangerous encounter with suspected terrorists. Nevertheless, the successful response by the security forces ensured that the convoy was evacuated safely and that the attackers were prevented from overrunning the delegation.
While no lives were lost, the incident serves as another stark reminder that insecurity remains a major concern in Borno State—and that political activities, civilian movements and governance efforts continue to take place against the backdrop of a persistent insurgency threat.
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