BORNO STATE, NIGERIA — A deadly bomb explosion rocked the Damboa-Maiduguri highway on Tuesday, claiming the lives of at least four travellers and leaving several others injured, as suspected terrorists targeted commuters in Borno State.
According to local security sources and eyewitness accounts, the improvised explosive device (IED) was planted along a section of the busy road and detonated as a commercial vehicle passed over it. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of the day, sending panic across the region already grappling with heightened insecurity.
The affected vehicle, reportedly conveying civilians from Damboa to Maiduguri, was completely destroyed by the blast. Rescue operations were immediately launched by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with emergency responders, who swiftly evacuated the casualties to a nearby medical facility.
A security official who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the death toll and noted that the attack bears the hallmark of Boko Haram or ISWAP insurgents, who have continued to target soft civilian movements despite intensified military operations in the North-East.
“This stretch of road has seen multiple ambushes and IED attacks in recent months. The terrorists often monitor troop and civilian movements and strike when visibility is low or escort coverage is limited,” he explained.
The Borno State Government has condemned the incident, describing it as a cowardly act aimed at instilling fear and disrupting the return of normalcy to the state. The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Usman Tar, in a statement, reassured residents that security agencies are on top of the situation and that efforts are being intensified to track down the perpetrators.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and avoid traveling in isolated convoys without military escorts, particularly on routes historically marked as high-risk.
The Damboa-Maiduguri road, which connects several communities in southern Borno to the state capital, has been the scene of repeated attacks over the years. Although there have been improvements in the security situation, Tuesday’s explosion underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgents in the region.
As of press time, security forces are conducting a sweep operation in the surrounding bush to apprehend the attackers and prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, survivors of the explosion are receiving medical attention, and authorities are working to identify the deceased and notify their families.
