No fewer than 23 people have lost their lives, while 108 others sustained injuries following a series of coordinated bomb explosions in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday evening.
The attacks occurred at about 7:24 p.m., shortly after the iftar meal, hitting three locations: the busy Monday Market, the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover.
According to the Borno State Police Command, initial findings suggest the explosions were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Security agencies and emergency responders were swiftly deployed to the affected areas.
A joint team comprising police tactical units, the military, and other security operatives secured the scenes, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit conducted thorough sweeps to detect any additional threats.
The State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the sites to assess the situation and monitor ongoing rescue efforts. He expressed sympathy to the victims and their families, assuring residents of the commitment of security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Injured victims were evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to nearby hospitals where they are receiving treatment.
Authorities confirmed that calm has been restored in the affected areas, with increased security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent further incidents.
Police spokesperson Nahum Kenneth Daso stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details of the attacks and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
The incident comes amid a resurgence of insurgent attacks in Borno State, with extremist groups intensifying operations against both military targets and civilian communities in recent weeks.
