At least 23 people have been killed and 108 others injured following simultaneous bomb explosions in three locations in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday evening.
The blasts reportedly occurred at the Post Office Flyover, Maiduguri Monday Market, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, according to initial reports.
ASP Nahum Daso, spokesman for the Borno State Police Command, confirmed the casualties in a statement on Tuesday, describing the attacks as “suspected suicide IED explosions.” He said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers. Regrettably, 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Daso said.
He added that police tactical units, the military, and other security operatives were immediately deployed to the scenes, which were secured and subjected to thorough sweeps by the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Base 13 Maiduguri, to prevent further threats.
The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmaji, visited the affected areas to assess the situation and the ongoing response. Victims were promptly evacuated to hospitals by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
“Normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas. Security operatives have heightened their presence across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent further occurrences,” Daso said, urging the public to remain calm, vigilant, and report any suspicious activities.
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum, currently performing the lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, condemned the attacks, describing them as “despicable, cruel, and cowardly.” His Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security, particularly in places of worship, with the Eid period approaching.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blasts,” the governor said.
Zulum added that the recent surge in attacks is linked to intensified military operations against insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and other hideouts. He assured residents that security agencies remain vigilant and have taken measures to prevent further breaches in Maiduguri and the state.
