The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Borno State, Mustapha Gubio, narrowly escaped death after suspected terrorists ambushed his convoy along the Kareto-Damasak Road in the northern part of the state.

The attack occurred at about 2:30pm on Thursday while Gubio and members of his team were travelling to Damasak as part of an appreciation tour across the state.

According to sources in the convoy, the attackers used an improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenades during the brief assault.

The terrorists were reportedly repelled by security personnel accompanying the convoy, allowing the delegation to continue its journey after the area was scanned and cleared.

A security operative said an Armoured Personnel Carrier at the front of the convoy provided cover as the terrorists advanced.

The APC was later destroyed after stepping on an IED, but the security team and other members of the convoy escaped without casualties.

Confirming the incident, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, said no life was lost.

Daso said the attack was carried out by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and was repelled through the combined efforts of security agencies.

He added that the terrorists were believed to have escaped into the surrounding area with possible gunshot injuries.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, also confirmed that police tactical operatives counter-engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat into the bush.

He said the security team subsequently scanned and cleared the area to neutralise possible secondary explosive threats before safely evacuating the convoy to a secure location.