- A Nigerian Special Forces soldier who married just eight months ago, has been confirmed among nine soldiers killed in a Boko Haram-linked IED explosion near Gubio, Borno State.
- The incident has left several others injured and sparked renewed concern over insurgent attacks in the region.
Tragedy has struck the Nigerian Army following the death of Lance Corporal Alhaji Mal Idris Alkali Musa, one of nine soldiers killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack linked to Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.
Alkali Musa, a Special Forces infantry soldier, was reportedly killed in an explosion near Gubio, Borno State. His death comes just eight months after he got married, deepening the sense of loss among colleagues, family members, and the wider military community.
SaharaReporters identified the late Lance Corporal as one of the nine personnel who lost their lives in the deadly incident. A tribute written by one of his colleagues described him as a gallant, disciplined, and principled officer whose passing has left his comrades devastated.
“We lost a great man today. His name is LCPL Alhaji Mal Idris Alkali Musa, also known as M-Son,” the tribute read. “He was a warrior with integrity who served with dedication.”
According to the tribute, Alkali Musa married his wife, Hajiya Mal Idris Alkali Musa, on April 11, 2025, only months before he was promoted. He was officially confirmed dead on January 5, 2026.
In an emotional farewell message, his colleague prayed for the repose of his soul, asking that he rest in perfect peace.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Alkali Musa and eight other soldiers were killed after an explosion caused by planted IEDs near Gubio. A senior military source, who spoke during an exclusive interview on Monday, confirmed that investigations revealed the explosives were planted by Boko Haram insurgents.
“Eight soldiers died on Sunday from injuries sustained in the explosion, while one more died this morning,” the source said, adding that several others were critically injured.
The military source clarified that the incident was not the result of a gunmen ambush but rather an explosion triggered by planted explosive devices. He further confirmed that the affected troops were from 145 Damasak under the 5 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State, and that the explosion occurred in the evening near Gubio.
Casualty figures remain a major concern, with many injured soldiers still receiving treatment for serious injuries as military operations continue in the region.
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