…Cut-off border communities
Suspected terrorists have destroyed a key bridge in Niger State and reportedly killed eight travellers in a separate explosion, escalating insecurity in the Borgu axis of the state.
The bridge, located along Luma Road in Borgu Local Government Area, was bombed in the early hours of Monday in what authorities believe was a deliberate attempt to hinder the movement of security forces engaged in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Local sources said the attack occurred around 2 a.m., targeting a vital link connecting the communities of Luma, Babana, and Agwara -areas that have come under repeated attacks in recent months.
Residents said the destruction has also disrupted economic activities, particularly the Babana border market, a major trading hub that holds every Monday, as traders were unable to access the area.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the attackers used an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to destroy the bridge. He added that the perpetrators were suspected to have emerged from the Kainji National Park area.
He said: “On March 23, 2026, at about 6:30 a.m., a report was received that earlier at about 2:00 a.m., suspected terrorists used an explosive device to bomb a bridge along Luma Road in Borgu LGA, linking Luma, Babana, and Agwara communities. The act appears aimed at undermining ongoing security operations in the area. Monitoring is ongoing, while clearance operations have been intensified”.
In a related development, residents reported that a commercial vehicle carrying eight passengers was blown up after hitting another suspected IED along the Nuku-Woro road, killing all occupants.
The device is believed to have been planted by bandits operating in the area, although the Police have yet to officially confirm the incident.
