The police command in Maiduguri, Borno, has confirmed that 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked the state capital on Monday evening.
The attacks, which authorities described as coordinated suicide bombings, occurred around 7:24pm and targeted crowded locations, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover.
In a statement, Nahum Daso, police spokesperson in Borno, said preliminary investigations showed the explosions were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The near-simultaneous nature of the blasts has raised fresh concerns about evolving tactics by insurgent groups seeking to undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the north-east.
Security sources said the choice of targets — a major market, hospital vicinity and busy flyover — appeared aimed at maximising casualties, spreading fear and disrupting socio-economic activities in the state capital.
In response, joint teams of police tactical units, military personnel and other security operatives were deployed to the affected areas.
The scenes were cordoned off while the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit carried out sweep operations to detect and neutralise any additional threats.
Naziru Abdulmajid, commissioner of police in the state, visited the affected locations and commiserated with victims and their families.
He assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that security has been reinforced across the state.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, worked with medical teams to evacuate victims to hospitals for treatment.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy, with heightened security presence across Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, especially in public places, and to report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
