The Nigeria Police Force command in Borno State has confirmed that 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured in the multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening.
The incident, described as coordinated suicide attacks by the authorities occurred about 7:24 p.m., and were targeted at crowded and strategic locations within the metropolis, particularly the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover, all within Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
A statement by ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Borno State command, stated that preliminary investigations showed that the explosions were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The coordinated nature of the attacks, which struck nearly simultaneously across different parts of the city, has raised fresh concerns about evolving tactics by terrorists’ groups seeking to undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Northeast.
A report by Zagazola Makama, a security analyst noted that the choice of targets particularly a major market, a hospital vicinity, and the ever-busy flyover suggested an intent to maximise casualties, spread fear, and disrupt socio-economic activities in the state capital.
However, a combined team of the Police Tactical Units, military personnel and other joint security operatives were quickly deployed to the affected areas.
The scenes of the explosions were quickly secured and cordoned off, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted detailed sweep operations to rule out the presence of additional explosive devices.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid led a high-level assessment visit to the affected locations during which he commiserated with victims and their families.
CP Abdulmajid assured the residents of the police command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding life and property, adding that enhanced security measures have been activated across the state.
Similarly, emergency responders that included the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, worked in coordination with medical teams to evacuate victims to hospitals where they are currently receiving treatment.
Despite the scale of the attacks, authorities made the efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas with security presence significantly increased across Maiduguri and its environs.
Meanwhile, residents were urged to remain calm, but vigilant, particularly in public places, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
The police command in Borno while commending the resilience and cooperation of residents, emphasised its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the State.
