- Suicide bomber attacked a military checkpoint in Borno
- Five soldiers killed during the explosion
- Attack occurred in Pulka, Gwoza LGA
- ISWAP suspect linked to the bombing
Five soldiers were killed on Sunday morning after a suicide bomber struck detonated an improvised explosive device at a military checkpoint in Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The explosion occurred as troops were manning the checkpoint and allowing commuters to pass, triggering panic in the area and renewing fears over the resurgence of extremist violence in the region.
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A security source told reporters that the attacker was a suspected member of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) who had reportedly been hiding in the Mandara Mountains.
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“Some people revealed that he passed the night close to the military checkpoint, planning the heinous act,” the source said.
“In the morning, when the road was opened for passersby, he pretended to be one of them and detonated the bomb in their midst. Five soldiers lost their lives instantly.”
Another resident described the incident as the first suicide bombing in the area in more than a year, stressing the need for renewed security measures.
“For over a year now, this is the only suicide attack recorded here. It calls for a new approach by security operatives to prevent a repeat,” the resident said.
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The latest attack has reopened painful memories of previous suicide bombings in Gwoza and other parts of Borno State.
On June 30, 2024, two female suicide bombers detonated explosives at a wedding ceremony in Gwoza town, killing at least 18 people, including children and a pregnant woman.
Similarly, on June 21, 2025, no fewer than 11 civilians were killed when a suicide bomber struck a viewing centre in Konduga Local Government Area.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on Sunday’s attack, as investigations continue.
