Military sources said the attack, which involved an explosive device, occurred on Sunday night and also claimed the lives of several soldiers accompanying him.

The Colonel was said to have been leading a reinforcement mission to support troops under attack at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) under the 242 Battalion in Monguno, Sector 3 of the counter-insurgency operation.

According to sources, the insurgents targeted the FOB, prompting an urgent call for reinforcement from senior commanders.

One source said Colonel Muhammad mobilised troops after receiving distress information from the frontline before heading to the location.

However, his convoy reportedly ran into an ambush, where Boko Haram fighters detonated an improvised explosive device along the route.

He was said to have died instantly when the explosion hit his vehicle, along with some soldiers in the convoy.

Another source explained that the device was remotely detonated as the convoy approached, suggesting the attackers had monitored troop movements.

The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of Borno State, where military formations continue to come under repeated insurgent attacks.