Recent deadly attacks by insurgents along the Kala-Balge and Damboa routes in Borno State have once again highlighted a disturbing security gap: the deplorable condition of roads in conflict-prone areas, which continues to aid terrorist operations.
According to eyewitness accounts and military sources, the latest attacks involved improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by suspected terrorists, killing at least 26 civilians near Kala-Balge and claiming the lives of two soldiers along the Damboa axis, alongside the loss of critical military assets.
Analysts and observers warn that the poor state of major roads across Borno State has become a strategic enabler for insurgents, allowing them to operate with relative ease. The unpaved and rugged terrain not only hampers the swift movement of troops and civilians but also offers cover for the concealed planting of explosives.
“If these roads were properly tarred and maintained, it would be much more difficult for terrorists to conceal IEDs without being detected by patrol units or alerted communities,” a local security expert said.
The Damboa and Kala-Balge corridors, long known for their vulnerability to ambushes and IED incidents, are described by military personnel as high-risk zones where poor infrastructure slows operations and exposes forces to preventable dangers.
Security reports from Operation Hadin Kai have repeatedly indicated that road conditions are directly affecting military efficiency and safety. Delays caused by deteriorated roads often give insurgents enough time to prepare attacks or escape through bush paths after striking.
Troops in the region continue to demonstrate resilience despite these environmental disadvantages. However, many believe that unless urgent steps are taken to rehabilitate critical roads, soldiers and civilians alike will remain exposed to avoidable threats.
Stakeholders are now calling on the Borno State Government and relevant federal agencies to prioritize road reconstruction as part of a broader counterterrorism strategy — one that not only enhances mobility but denies insurgents the terrain advantage they currently enjoy.
“Rebuilding roads in Borno is not just development,” a regional policy advocate noted, “it’s a vital national security measure.”
