Suspected terrorists have destroyed a key bridge in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, in what authorities believe is a coordinated attempt to disrupt ongoing military operations in the region.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, targeted a bridge along Luma Road linking the communities of Luma, Babana, and Agwara, areas that have witnessed repeated security breaches in recent times. The bridge is a critical route for both residents and security forces operating in the axis.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the attackers used an improvised explosive device (IED) to carry out the sabotage.
“The bridge was damaged in what appears to be a deliberate effort to undermine security operations. Monitoring continues, while clearance operations have been intensified”, he stated.
Local sources said the attackers are suspected to have emerged from the Kainji National Park, a known hideout for armed groups in the region.
The blast has also disrupted economic activities, particularly the weekly Babana border market, as traders and residents were unable to access the area.
In a related development, tragedy struck along the Nuku-Woro road, where a commercial vehicle reportedly ran over another IED. All eight passengers on board were killed in the explosion, with residents attributing the attack to armed bandits operating within the corridor.
Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to secure the affected communities and prevent further attacks, amid growing concerns over the increasing use of explosives by criminal groups in the state.
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