Malik Yahya/
The death toll from multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, has risen to 23, with 108 others injured, as both police and military authorities confirmed the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers linked to Boko Haram.
In a statement, the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI said the coordinated explosions occurred at about 7.05pm on Monday across key locations in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.
“The explosions were carried out by suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bombers who detonated improvised explosive devices at three different locations within the city, namely the Post Office area, Monday Market axis and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital during the period of Iftar,” the statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba said.
According to the military, the attackers deliberately targeted crowded public spaces “in an attempt to inflict mass casualties and create panic within the metropolis”.
This aligns with earlier confirmation by the Nigeria Police Force, which stated that the blasts occurred at the popular Monday Market, the hospital gate and the Post Office Flyover, and involved improvised explosive devices.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside police Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and other security agencies, swiftly moved to secure the affected areas.
“The locations were immediately secured and cordoned off to prevent further harm,” the military said, adding that counter-IED measures, patrols and surveillance have since been intensified across the city.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, evacuated victims to multiple health facilities, including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, General Hospital and Specialist Hospital.
Medical personnel are currently attending to the injured, while rescue and evacuation efforts continued in the immediate aftermath of the blasts.
Preliminary intelligence cited by the military suggests that multiple suicide bombers may have been deployed into Maiduguri as part of a coordinated plan to strike densely populated areas.
“Security forces have therefore intensified surveillance, patrols and counter-IED measures across the metropolis to track down any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks,” the statement added.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded areas where possible, and report suspicious persons or objects to security agencies.
Operation HADIN KAI also expressed condolences to the families of victims, assuring that troops remain committed to protecting lives and pursuing those responsible.
Maiduguri remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency involving Boko Haram and its splinter factions.
The city has witnessed repeated attacks on civilian targets, particularly crowded locations such as markets and transport hubs.
The Monday Market, one of the largest commercial centres in North-East Nigeria, has been a frequent target over the years due to its high footfall, often resulting in significant casualties during previous attacks.
Despite sustained military operations under Operation HADIN KAI, security experts warn that insurgents retain the capability to stage coordinated attacks, particularly using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices aimed at soft targets.
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