- A Nigerian special forces soldier who was married eight months ago has been confirmed as one of nine soldiers killed in a Boko Haram-linked improvised explosive device blast near Gubio, Borno state.
- The incident left several people injured and reignited fears of insurgent attacks in the area.
Nigerian Army Private First Class 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, has died.
Special Forces infantryman Alkali Musa was reportedly killed in an explosion near Gubio, Borno State. His death just eight months after their marriage deepened the sense of loss among colleagues, family and the wider military community.
SaharaReporters identified the late Private First Class as one of the nine personnel who lost their lives in the fatal incident. A eulogy written by one of his colleagues described him as a brave, disciplined and principled officer whose death left his comrades deeply saddened.
“Today we lost a great man. His name was LCPL Alhaji Mal Idris Alkali Musa, also known as M-Son,” the tribute read. “He was a warrior with integrity and dedication.”
According to the eulogy, Alkali Moussa married his wife Hajiya Mar Idris Alkali Moussa on April 11, 2025, just a few months before his promotion. On January 5, 2026, he was officially confirmed dead.
In a touching farewell message, his colleagues prayed for his soul and asked him to rest in peace.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Alkali Moussa and eight other soldiers were killed in an explosion caused by an improvised explosive device planted near Gubio. A senior military source confirmed in an exclusive interview on Monday that an investigation showed the explosives were planted by Boko Haram insurgents.
“Eight soldiers died from injuries sustained in the explosion on Sunday, and one more died this morning,” the source said, adding that several others were seriously injured.
Military sources clarified that the incident was not the result of an ambush by militants, but an explosion caused by the planting of explosive devices. He further confirmed that the affected troops were from the 145 Masak Troops under the 5th 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 wounded soldiers still receiving treatment for serious injuries as military operations continue in the region.
