At least two soldiers have been reportedly killed and several others injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly struck a military vehicle in Sokoto State’s Isa Local Government Area during a response operation to a bandit attack on Bargaja community.
The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 21, 2026, along the Isa–Bargaja road, as troops moved in after residents raised an alarm over an ongoing assault.
Residents told Daily Trust that armed bandits invaded Bargaja community between 12:30am and 3:00am, firing sporadically and forcing locals to seek urgent military intervention.
According to accounts from villagers, the attackers allegedly planted an explosive device along the route before the arrival of security forces.
“They were on their way to rescue us when the vehicle hit the explosive. Many soldiers were affected,” a resident said on condition of anonymity, adding that one injured soldier later stumbled into the village seeking help after the blast.
The resident said the soldier sustained severe leg injuries, while confirming that two bodies believed to be soldiers were seen in the aftermath.
There are, however, differing accounts regarding the total number of casualties.
While some residents confirmed seeing two deceased soldiers, others claimed the death toll may be higher. One source alleged that up to three soldiers, including a driver, may have been killed in the incident, with additional personnel injured.
The remains of the deceased personnel were reportedly evacuated to Sokoto.
Another resident who visited a military base in Isa town said community members travelled to condole with troops following the incident.
“We hired two vehicles from our community and went to Isa to condole with the military over the loss of their personnel,” he said.
A separate source familiar with developments in the area claimed the troops may have been caught in a coordinated ambush while responding to the distress call.
According to the account, attackers allegedly allowed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) to pass before targeting a following Hilux vehicle with gunfire and an explosive device.
“The APC was at the front and was allowed to pass. The attackers then opened fire and detonated an explosive device targeting the Hilux behind it,” the source said.
The source also claimed that one security operative fled into a nearby forest during the chaos, with efforts reportedly underway to locate him.
Residents described a night of sustained gunfire and confusion as security forces and attackers reportedly exchanged fire in the area.
“We never slept yesterday because of the sound of gunfire. I can’t confirm the exact number of the casualties,” another resident said, calling for official clarification.
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