By Obinna Uballa
Suspected terrorists on Monday bombed a bridge along Luma Road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, in a bid to disrupt military operations, while a separate roadside explosion reportedly killed eight travellers.
The attack on the bridge, which connects Luma, Babana, and Agwara communities, occurred around 2 a.m., according to local sources. The affected communities have been frequent targets of insurgent and bandit attacks in recent months.
Residents said the bombing has disrupted activities at the Babana border market, a key trading hub held every Monday, as traders were unable to reach the area.
Confirming the incident, Niger State Police Command spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said the perpetrators, believed to be operating from Kainji National Park, used an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to destroy the bridge.
“On 23rd March 2026 at about 6:30 a.m., a report was received indicating that earlier, at about 2:00 a.m., suspected terrorists from the park forest used an explosive device to bomb a bridge along Luma Road in Borgu LGA,” SP Abiodun said.
“The bridge was damaged in what appears to be an attempt to undermine ongoing security operations. Monitoring continues, and clearance operations have been intensified.”
Residents, meanwhile , reported that a commercial vehicle carrying eight passengers hit another IED along the Nuku-Woro road, killing all occupants. The explosive device is suspected to have been planted by bandits, though the police have yet to comment on the fatalities.
The twin attacks have further heightened insecurity in the region, with local authorities intensifying surveillance and military patrols to prevent further incidents.
