Suspected Boko Haram members on Thursday launched an attack on the convoy of Mustapha Gubio, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, along a highway in the northern part of the state.

The attack occurred at about 2:30 p.m. near Kareto community as Gubio and members of his team travelled to meet and appreciate party supporters who voted for him as their preferred governorship candidate.

Witnesses said the attackers opened fire on the convoy, firing rockets and bullets at the vehicles in what was described as a terrifying encounter.

Security operatives, including soldiers, police officers and personnel from other security agencies, reportedly mounted a coordinated response, engaging the suspected terrorists in a gun battle and forcing them to retreat.

A police spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying tactical teams exchanged gunfire with the attackers before chasing them into the bush.

The spokesperson added that security operatives subsequently swept the area for possible explosives that may have been left behind by the fleeing suspects.

Although some police vehicles were damaged during the exchange, all members of Gubio’s convoy escaped unharmed, with no casualties recorded.

Following the attack, the APC governorship candidate and accompanying government officials were evacuated to a secure location as security agencies continued operations in the area.