The Nigeria Police Force in Borno State has confirmed that 23 people lost their lives and 108 others were injured following multiple coordinated explosions that rocked Maiduguri Monday evening.
The attacks, which occurred around 7:24 p.m., targeted several crowded and strategic locations across the city, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover.
According to a statement from Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, preliminary investigations indicate that suspected suicide bombers used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to carry out the attacks nearly simultaneously.
The choice of densely populated targets— a major market, hospital vicinity, and busy flyover— suggests an intent to maximise casualties, sow fear, and disrupt socio-economic activities in the state capital. The attacks highlight a disturbing adaptation in insurgents’ tactics aimed at undermining ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
In response, joint security operatives comprising Police Tactical Units, military personnel, and other agencies were rapidly deployed to the scenes. The areas were secured and cordoned off, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted sweeps to detect any further devices.
Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, led a high-level assessment of the affected locations, offering condolences to victims and their families. He assured residents of intensified security measures across Borno State to safeguard lives and property.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), collaborated with medical teams to evacuate and treat the injured.
Despite the scale of the attacks, efforts to restore normalcy are underway, with security presence significantly increased throughout Maiduguri and its environs. Residents have been urged to remain calm yet vigilant, especially in public spaces, and to report any suspicious activity promptly.
The police command praised the resilience and cooperation of Maiduguri’s residents and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
