At least eight persons have lost their lives after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated along Luma Road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, destroying a bridge and hitting a passing vehicle.
The explosion, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, was reportedly caused by explosives planted by suspected terrorists.
The blast damaged the bridge linking Luma, Babana, and Agwara communities, a critical route for residents and traders, especially those heading to the Babana border market.
Sources said the victims were travelling in a vehicle moving between Nuku and Woro when it ran over the IED, triggering a deadly explosion that killed all seven passengers, including the driver.
The attack is believed to be part of a broader pattern, as the same group had earlier targeted the bridge to disrupt movement within the area. Confirming the Niger bridge incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said security operatives have launched a clearance operation in the affected area.
According to him, the bridge was bombed at about 2:00 a.m. by suspected terrorists operating within nearby forest areas, while authorities received the report later in the morning.
He added that monitoring efforts are ongoing, with intensified security operations aimed at securing the area and preventing further attacks. “On 23rd March 2026 at about 6.30 am, a report received revealed that on the same date at about 2 am, suspected terrorists within the park forest used an explosive device and bombed a bridge located along Luma road, Borgu LGA, connecting Luma-Babana-Agwara communities.
“It was discovered that the bridge was damaged by the hoodlums during security operations in the area. “However, monitoring continues while clearance operation is intensified,” he said.
