The Nigerian Army is celebrating successful counter insurgency operations by reopening the Dikwa-Mafa-Gamboru road in Borno State.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, in a ceremony marking the end of the 2016 Army Day celebration with the State Governor, Kashim Shettima in attendance has declared the road safe for civilian passage.
The 138km road was unceremoniously shut down over two years ago following terror acts by the outlawed Boko Haram sect in the area.
The newly reopened Maiduguri-Mafa-Dikwa-Gamboru/Ngala road connects Nigeria to Central and North Africa from the North-eastern region.
The road is considered strategic as it leads to towns believed to be the economic life wire of Borno State.
On assumption of office in 2015, the Chief of Army Staff, on his way to an operational visit to troops in Gamboru had been ambushed by Boko Haram elements operating in the axis.
Re-opening of the road for civilian use follows successful mop up operations in the area since then.
Government officials say closure of the road had almost crippled the commercial prowess of Borno State.
Theatre Commander of the counter insurgency war tagged “Operation Lafiya Dole”, Major General Lucky Irabor, believes that reopening of the road for commercial activities amidst security presence would encourage people to return home.
Medical outreach for sick Internally Displaced Persons in the Dikwa camp, home to over 58,000 people as well as the launch of a solar powered borehole was part of the Army Day celebrations.
The Army Chief also hosted the displaced to a lunch to celebrate the Eid El Fitri and the achievements of troops on the frontlines.
Governor Kashim Shettima commended the gallantry of the Nigerian armed forces and the civilian joint task force for their contributions towards peace building.
Damboa-Biu road linking Adamawa and Gombe states had earlier been reopened while troubled Buni Yadi in Gujba area of Yobe State had also been reopened all within the last four months.
