The security team had accompanied the governor to Maiduguri for the University of Maiduguri’s 24th Convocation ceremony, where Vice-President Kashim Shettima received an honorary doctorate degree.

While the team returned to Yobe, Buni was said to have stayed behind in Maiduguri ahead of a trip to Abuja for another official engagement.

Confirming the incident, Governor Buni’s spokesman, Mamman Mohammed, stated that the security personnel encountered the ambush, exchanging gunfire with the assailants. Three policemen sustained injuries, but they successfully repelled the attack.

A security source revealed that the terrorists targeted the convoy’s troops, leading to a heavy exchange of fire.

“The troops leading the convoy with MRAP, a Gun Truck and another vehicle conveying the Police and DSS were targeted.

“Consequently, the troops responded with heavy fire, forcing the terrorists to retreat. Unfortunately, one Police Officer paid the supreme price, even as two soldiers including a driver, three policemen and a DSS were wounded.

“The security operatives returned safely to Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, while the wounded personnel and the driver were evacuated to an undisclosed hospital for treatment, but some of the wounded are in critical condition,” the source said.

The casualty count on the terrorists’ side remains unconfirmed at the time of filing this report.