Boko Haram blows bridge linking Cameroun

Barely three days after the massacre of over 200, Boko Haram destroyed the link bridge between Gamboru-Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State and Cameroon.

The Defence Headquarters however said last night that it was a partial destruction of the bridge by the sect members to slow down the pursuit of their fleeing members.

A military source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The affected bridge is a vital one connecting Nigeria with Cameroon. The fleeing sect members destroyed the bridge in anger to frustrate troops from pursuing them.

“The way they destroyed the bridge, only light vehicles can manage to pass. The damage will not allow armoured vehicles to pass through. The target is to halt the movement of troops across the border.

“This development has confirmed intelligence report that the insurgents have a well-established base in Cameroon.”

The Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said: “The bridge was partially destroyed to slow down troops pursuing them and frustrate their operation.”

Gamboru is a strategic town vital to the counter-attacks against the insurgents.

Boko Haram in January 2013 took control of more than eight strategic Local Government Areas in northern Borno, including Gamboru- Ngala.

Others were Marte, Mobbar, Gubio, Guzamala, Abadam, Kukawa, and Kala-Balge local government areas.

But troops succeeded in regaining the control of the local governments.

There were concerns last night that the seizure of Gamboru by Boko Haram might be an attempt to take over Northern Borno afresh.