The Nigerian Army has reopened the Maiduguri-Damboa road for the free movement of motorists to and from Maiduguri, Borno State.

The road which is said to be the shortest route to various parts of Borno through Damboa has been shut as a result of terrorist attacks.

The Maiduguri-Damboai road also runs into the forest, serving three towns and a dozen communities.

The road was first deserted and subsequently closed after the Boko Haram insurgents captured Damboa Local Government and hoisted their flag there in July 2014. It was, however, reopened in February 2016.

In November 2018, the 187-kilometre road was closed for 13  months. The Army said the decision was taken to enable the troops to contain the road attacks of the Boko Haram terrorist group. It was,  however, reopened after several pleas by the governor of the state.

“Despite the reopening of this road to members of the public on April 4, 2016, we had to close it again about a year ago.

“The closure is an operational exigency to secure and protect peoples’ lives and property along the affected road, ” the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.) said while reopening the road.

Taking to its official Twitter handle on Tuesday, the Army said the road had been reopened in collaboration with the state government.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Borno State government has reopened the Maiduguri–Damboa highway for vehicular movement on Monday, July, 18 2022. “

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