Speaking to supporters in Kano, Yusuf expressed displeasure over recent comments made by his former political mentor, insisting that he would respond if provoked further.

The governor said Kwankwaso should be careful with his words, warning that continued criticism could lead him to reveal details the former presidential candidate might not be comfortable with.

His remarks come after Kwankwaso, in a recent interview, accused Yusuf and other close allies of political betrayal and vowed to defeat him in the 2027 governorship election.

Kwankwaso also expressed disappointment over what he described as a breakdown of trust, saying he never expected such actions from those he supported politically.

He further criticised some beneficiaries of his educational programmes, alleging that some later turned against the movement that sponsored them.

Responding, Yusuf questioned Kwankwaso’s tone, noting the age difference between them and saying he had so far remained restrained out of respect.

He added that while peace in Kano remains a priority, he would not hesitate to speak out if pushed further, warning against escalating political tension in the state.

The attack was said to have occurred on Saturday evening as the soldiers were returning from an earlier operation targeting a suspected terrorist hideout near a border community.

According to local sources, the troops had successfully raided the camp and were moving back with three military vehicles when one of the vehicles developed a fault along the way.

One source said the terrorists may have regrouped after the initial raid and tracked the soldiers in a retaliatory strike.

He explained that the attackers struck when the troops stopped to fix the faulty vehicle, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire.

Another account claimed the soldiers were trekking back to base with the assistance of a local guide when they were ambushed.

The source alleged that seven soldiers and the civilian guide were killed during the attack.

Residents said six bodies were first recovered, while another soldier’s remains were later discovered in a nearby bush.

A senior military officer confirmed that casualties were recorded but dismissed unverified figures circulating in the media.

He stated that tactical reinforcements had been deployed to the area, while intelligence-led operations were ongoing to track down the attackers.

The officer added that the identities of fallen personnel would not be released until their families were officially informed, urging the public and media to avoid spreading unconfirmed casualty reports.