At least two soldiers have been confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries after a military vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Isa–Bargaja road in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The incident occurred on Saturday as troops were responding to a distress call following a reported bandit attack on Bargaja community.

Residents said armed bandits invaded the village between 12:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., firing sporadically and forcing residents to seek military intervention.

According to a resident who spoke anonymously, the attackers allegedly planted the explosive device along the route before the arrival of the troops.

"They were on their way to rescue us when the vehicle hit the explosive. Many soldiers were affected. One of the injured soldiers later made his way into the village seeking help after the blast," the resident said.

The source added that the soldier suffered a serious leg injury and expressed concern over what he described as the growing use of explosive devices by armed groups operating in the area.

"We have seen the bodies of two soldiers, but we cannot confirm if there were additional casualties," he added.

Another resident said members of the community travelled to the military base in Isa to sympathise with the troops after the incident. He claimed that three soldiers, including the driver of the vehicle, lost their lives, although this has not been officially confirmed.

A separate source familiar with the incident alleged that the troops were ambushed while responding to the emergency call. According to the source, an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) leading the convoy passed safely before attackers targeted a Hilux vehicle behind it with gunfire and an explosive device.

The source also claimed that one security operative fled into a nearby forest during the attack and that efforts were underway to locate him.

Residents said heavy gunfire echoed across the area throughout the night, creating widespread panic.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military had not issued an official statement on the incident.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Sokoto State Police Command and the Chairman of Isa Local Government Area were unsuccessful.