Suspected terrorists on Monday bombed a strategic bridge along Luma Road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, apparently to disrupt troop movements during ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The explosion occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on March 23, 2026, damaging the bridge that links the communities of Luma, Babana, and Agwara. These areas have faced repeated attacks in recent months.
Residents said the destruction has cut off access to the popular Babana border market, a major weekly trading hub held every Monday, leaving many traders stranded and severely disrupting local economic activities.
Police Confirmation
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident.
In a statement, he said:
“On 23rd March 2026 at about 6:30 a.m., a report was received indicating that earlier, at about 2:00 a.m. the same day, suspected terrorists from the park forest used an explosive device to bomb a bridge along Luma Road in Borgu LGA, connecting Luma, Babana, and Agwara communities.
“The bridge was damaged in what appears to be an attempt to undermine security operations in the area. Monitoring continues, while clearance operations have been intensified.”
The attackers are believed to be operating from the Kainji National Park forest reserve, a known hideout for armed groups in the region.
Eight Killed in Separate IED Blast
In a related incident on the same day, a commercial vehicle carrying eight passengers (seven occupants and the driver) detonated another IED along the Luma Road, between Nuku and Woro. All eight people on board were killed instantly.
The device is suspected to have been planted by the same group of terrorists. The police spokesperson did not comment specifically on the fatal vehicle incident in his initial statement.
Broader Context
The attacks come as security forces intensify operations against terrorist groups and bandits using the Kainji National Park forest as a sanctuary. The groups have been targeting communities in Borgu and surrounding areas.
Destroying key infrastructure such as bridges is a common tactic used by these criminals to isolate communities, delay military response times, and cripple economic activities.
Some reports also mention additional IED explosions in nearby areas, including between Rafingiwa and Babana, and around Woro and Kaiama, though these are yet to be independently verified by authorities.
Security agencies have stepped up clearance operations in the affected areas.
