Islamic State fighters have reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack in Nigerias restive Borno region

At least 26 people have been killed in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state after two vehicles struck an improvised explosive device in an attack claimed by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Reuters reported on Tuesday.

The explosion occurred on Monday while the vehicles were traveling between the towns of Rann and Gamboru Ngala, according to local residents cited by the outlet. The area lies in the heart of a region plagued by over 15 years of Islamist insurgency involving Islamic State-affiliated organizations and Boko Haram.

Liman Tom, a traveler who witnessed the incident, said the vehicles were severely damaged, adding that survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals by soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) - a local group assisting in anti-insurgent operations.

A local whose mother was among the victims told Reuters that he "cannot even recognize her remains."

A security advisory from the International Safety Organization, which provides protection to foreign non-governmental organizations in the region, reportedly confirmed the blast. The group said the assault resulted in "the death of 26 individuals and three injuries."

Police in the restive region have not yet commented on the attack, but a military officer who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity said that "26 people died in the blast, comprising 16 men, four women, and six children."

ISWAP emerged in 2016 after a split with Boko Haram, triggered by ideological and leadership disputes. Boko Haram's leader at the time, Abubakar Shekau, was criticized by Islamic State's central command for indiscriminate attacks on Muslim civilians. He was replaced by Abu Musab al-Barnawi, prompting a division between the factions.

Violence linked to the insurgent groups has continued to destabilize the West African nation's northeast, displacing millions and claiming thousands of lives.

The latest incident follows separate attacks over the weekend in Borno and Adamawa states, which left at least 22 people dead. In Borno's Gwoza area, ten civilians were ambushed while collecting firewood, authorities have said. Another ten were killed in Adamawa's Hong district during a raid on Kopre village. Police in Adamawa announced on Monday that security reinforcements have been deployed to the affected areas.

(RT.com)