The convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, was attacked by suspected Boko Haram militants on September 3, resulting in an explosion that severely damaged a police armoured vehicle. The incident occurred as Gubio and his team were returning to Maiduguri after a visit to Damasak, a border town approximately 190 kilometers from the state capital.

According to reports from DailyTrust, the ambush involved the use of landmines strategically placed along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway. A security source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the police vehicle leading the convoy struck one of the explosive devices, leading to a significant blast.

"We entered Damasak safely and spent about 40 minutes there. On our way back, the insurgents planted mines on the road, and the armoured vehicle that led the convoy drove over it and exploded," the source explained.

Following the explosion, Boko Haram militants attempted to launch a further attack on the convoy. However, a rapid response from a combined force of military personnel, police officers, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) thwarted the insurgents' plans. The security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gunfight, successfully repelling the ambush and preventing any additional casualties to Gubio and his entourage.

Despite the successful defense, the police armoured vehicle sustained extensive damage from the initial explosion. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Borno State, where Boko Haram continues to pose a significant threat to both civilians and political figures alike.

The attack on Gubio's convoy highlights the precarious situation in the region, where political activities are often overshadowed by the threat of insurgency. As the elections approach, the safety of candidates and their supporters remains a pressing concern amid rising violence attributed to the terrorist group.