At least 27 Nigerian soldiers were killed in a suicide attack by jihadists in the northeast, according to two military sources who spoke to AFP on Sunday.
The attack occurred on Friday when Nigerian forces launched an operation targeting the Islamic State-affiliated group ISWAP, in an area between Borno and Yobe states.
The suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of troops in the Timbuktu Triangle, a region known for militant activity.
The blast killed 27 soldiers, including their commander, and left several others with serious injuries.
The exact number of casualties may increase as some of the injured remain in critical condition. The attack took place at night, making it difficult for the troops to properly assess the situation.
ISWAP, which split from Boko Haram in 2016, has been a dominant force in the region, taking control of territories once held by Boko Haram.
Known for using explosive devices like landmines and rigged vehicles, the group has targeted soldiers frequently in their efforts to disrupt military operations.
This attack comes amid a long-standing conflict in northeastern Nigeria, which has led to the deaths of over 40,000 people and displaced millions.
