Suspected terrorists have intensified efforts to isolate border communities in Niger State, detonating an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Babanna axis of Borgu Local Government Area on Sunday, leaving at least four people feared dead.

The blast struck a strategic bridge that had been attacked barely two weeks earlier, reinforcing fears of a coordinated campaign to cripple movement along the vital Lumma–Babanna corridor, the only access route linking several communities to the Benin Republic.

Casualty figures from the incident remain unclear. While initial reports put the death toll at four, security sources indicated that one of the victims may have been shot dead while attempting to cross the affected area on a motorcycle.

A source familiar with security developments said the repeated targeting of the road suggests a deliberate plan by armed groups to obstruct emergency response and cut off essential supplies to the affected communities.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic following the explosion. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a truck transporting yams to the Babanna weekly market triggered the device.

“The Lumma-Babanna road is our only lifeline. If this continues, we will be completely cut off,” the resident lamented.

For months, communities in the area have reportedly faced relentless attacks marked by killings, arson and widespread destruction, forcing residents to live in constant fear.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, Abiodun Wasiu, said a motorcyclist was shot dead, while a truck travelling toward Wawa ran over another IED.

“The explosion damaged the vehicle, and the driver was affected,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, troops of Operation Fansan Yanma recorded a major breakthrough in Zamfara State, raiding a bandit enclave in Munhaye Forest, Tsafe Local Government Area — a known base of notorious bandit leader Ado Aleiro.

The operation, carried out on Saturday, resulted in the killing of several bandits, including Kachalla Iliya Sarki, believed to be a son of the gang leader.

The operation’s spokesperson, David Adewusi, a captain, confirmed the raid, stating that troops deployed superior firepower during the assault.

“A significant number of bandits were neutralised, although the exact figure is yet to be confirmed. Assessment is ongoing, and details will be made public,” he said.

However, unverified reports circulating on a military-focused social media platform claimed that as many as 65 fighters may have been killed during the operation.

The latest incidents underscore the persistent security challenges across parts of northern Nigeria, even as military operations continue to record tactical successes against armed groups. (Business Day)