By: Zagazola Makama
In a chilling display of violence and strategic sabotage, terrorists suspected to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a pre-dawn attack on the Mandafuma Bridge along the Biu-Damboa highway in Borno State.
The attack, which occurred at approximately 2:20 AM on Tuesday, involved the detonation of a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED), completely obliterating the bridge. The explosion left behind twisted metal and shattered concrete, effectively severing a critical transportation artery that connects Mandafuma Village to the bustling town of Biu.
Security sources say the assault was a calculated attempt to paralyze movement in the region—deliberately targeting the bridge to obstruct both civilian transit and military logistics. The destruction has not only cut off access for motorists and commercial vehicles but also poses a significant challenge to military reinforcements operating in the volatile northeast corridor.
Residents of surrounding communities awoke to the deafening blast and the terrifying realization that their only major link to essential services, supplies, and security has been decimated.
This latest act of terror underscores the persistent threat posed by ISWAP insurgents, who continue to exploit soft infrastructure targets in their campaign of chaos and destabilization. It also raises fresh concerns over the safety of critical national assets in insurgency-prone areas.
As military engineers and security forces assess the damage and begin plans for possible reconstruction, the Nigerian Army has vowed not to be deterred in its mission to secure the region and flush out terrorist elements from their hideouts.
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