APC Governorship Candidate Gubio’s Convoy Attacked by Suspected Boko Haram in Borno

The campaign journey of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Mustapha Gubio, turned into a terrifying encounter on Thursday when his convoy came under heavy attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway.

The attack occurred at about 2:30pm around Kareto community in the northern part of the state as Gubio and members of his campaign team travelled towards Mobbar Local Government Area for a thank-you visit to APC supporters following his emergence as the party’s consensus candidate in its recent governorship primary.

According to sources familiar with the incident, the attackers opened fire on the convoy and reportedly launched several rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) at the vehicles, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and security operatives accompanying the political entourage.

The convoy was reportedly made up of the APC candidate, members of his campaign team, government officials and other political stakeholders.

The attack highlights the continuing security challenges confronting parts of Borno, more than a decade after the state became the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Security Forces Repel Attack

The attackers were eventually repelled by a combined security formation comprising soldiers, police officers, personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members and local vigilantes.

A source who survived the incident described the assault as intense, saying the convoy was subjected to sustained gunfire as the terrorists attempted to disrupt the movement.

The source disclosed that some police armoured vehicles were damaged during the confrontation but said there were no reported casualties among the members of the convoy.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, confirmed the attack, providing details of the security response.

In a statement, Iniedu said police tactical operatives counter-engaged suspected terrorists who attacked the convoy along the Kareto-Damasak Road using an improvised explosive device (IED) and rocket-propelled grenades.

He said the tactical team succeeded in forcing the attackers to retreat into the surrounding bush.

Following the withdrawal of the terrorists, security personnel reportedly conducted a sweep of the area and cleared the route to guard against possible secondary explosive devices.

Gubio, Others Evacuated to Safety

The police spokesperson said the convoy was subsequently evacuated to a secure location.

He stressed that no member of the entourage was killed or injured in the attack.

“The convoy, which conveyed the APC governorship candidate, government officials and other political stakeholders, was safely evacuated to a secure location,” the police said.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of renewed political activities in Borno ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gubio’s trip to Mobbar was reportedly intended to give him an opportunity to thank APC members and supporters in the area after he emerged as the party’s consensus candidate.

However, the attack has once again raised questions about the security implications of political campaigns and movements through communities that remain vulnerable to attacks by insurgents.

The Gubio-Kareto-Damasak corridor is located in an area that has experienced repeated security challenges linked to insurgent activities.

For residents and travellers along the route, the incident is another reminder that despite sustained military operations and the deployment of multiple security agencies, some parts of Borno remain exposed to terrorist attacks.

The successful intervention of the security forces prevented what could have been a major political and security disaster, particularly given the presence of a major governorship candidate and other political figures in the convoy.

The police said efforts to secure the area continued after the attack, with tactical operatives scanning the surroundings to ensure that the terrorists had withdrawn completely and that no explosive devices remained along the route.

The incident is also likely to renew debate over the safety of political activities in insurgency-affected parts of the country as political parties gradually intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.