At least 23 people have been confirmed dead and 108 others injured after bomb explosion hit three different locations in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday evening.
The explosions occurred around the Post Office Flyover, the Monday Market, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
In a statement on Tuesday, police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso said early findings suggest the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.
He added that investigations are still ongoing to determine exactly what happened.
The statement read, “Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions that occurred at about 7:24pm on March 16, 2026, at (1) Maiduguri Monday Market, (2) University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and (3) Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri.
“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 that following the incidents, security forces, including police tactical teams, the military, and other agencies, were quickly sent to the affected areas.
“The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats,” he added.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmaji, also visited the scenes to assess the situation and monitor the response.
“He commiserated with victims and their families, while assuring the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” Daso said.
He added that emergency responders, including officials from the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, moved the injured to hospitals for treatment.
“The Borno State Police Command wishes to state that normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas. Meanwhile, security operatives have heightened their presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent any further occurrences.
“Investigations are ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring perpetrators to justice,” Daso said.
The police spokesman urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities or objects to security agencies.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attacks, describing them as cruel and targeted at innocent people during the Ramadan period.
The governor, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj, said he was deeply saddened by the incident and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families.
In a statement by his media aide, Dauda Iliya, the governor called for greater vigilance, especially in public places and worship centres, as the Eid season approaches.
He said, “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 blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.
“The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.”
Zulum assured residents that the military and other security agencies remain in control of the situation and are taking steps to prevent further security breaches in Maiduguri and across the state.
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