Maiduguri-Damboa highway has been reopened by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, after 13 months of closure by military over insecurity.
Buratai disclosed this on Tuesday during the reopening ceremony held at Molai checkpoint, on the outskirts of Maiduguri city that the highway is now opened for motorists and commuters shuttling between Maiduguri to Biu and other adjoining communities.
COAS assured the motorists and civilians plying the road of safety, saying he had directed all commanders to provide security to all and sundry on the highway.
READ ALSO: Updated List of Major Roads Restricted From Okadas, Tricycles
Earlier, Borno state Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, appealed for the reopening of the highways. He made the appeal when he visited the Minister of Defence, Basir Magashi.
Earlier, The Herald reported that Nigerian Army announced on Saturday that it had re-opened all major highways linking Maiduguri, Borno State, with other parts of the country after being shot for about three years due to suspected Boko Haram terrorist attacks.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, announced this at the launch of Army Combat Motor Bikes in Damboa, headquarters of Damboa local government area of the state.
Buratai said that the army will work towards securing the lives and properties of motorists plying the roads.
“From today the road – Maiduguri-Damboa and Damboa-Biu highway will be opened. The road is going to be entrusted into the hands of the Brigade Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade,” he said.
Buratai added: “I do not want to hear any case of attack on innocent civilians or motorists on the road henceforth. Our troops will be on alert 24 hours to ensure that the road is kept open.”