The Borno State Police Command has officially confirmed a tragic loss of life following a series of coordinated suicide bombings that struck Maiduguri on Monday evening. According to the latest figures released by the authorities, at least 23 people have been killed, while another 108 individuals are currently receiving treatment for various degrees of injuries.
The explosions, which occurred around 7:24 p.m., targeted some of the city’s most frequented areas, including the bustling Monday Market, the Post Office Flyover, and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The timing and locations suggest a deliberate attempt to maximize casualties during a busy period of the evening. While the official police count stands at 23, local sources and witnesses within the metropolis suggest the actual death toll could be higher, as several victims reportedly passed away shortly after being rushed to medical facilities.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, described the events as devastating in an early morning statement shared with Reports. He confirmed that preliminary investigations point to suspected suicide bombers as the perpetrators. In the immediate aftermath of the blasts, a joint team comprising police tactical units, the military, and other security agencies moved in to cordon off the scenes, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit conducted sweeps to ensure no secondary devices were left behind.
Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the blast sites for a firsthand assessment of the damage. While offering his condolences to the grieving families, he emphasized that the command is doing everything within its power to reinforce security and protect the residents of Maiduguri. Emergency responders from both national and state agencies worked through the night to evacuate the wounded, ensuring they reached hospitals across the city for urgent care.
The military, through the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, characterized the attacks as a desperate move by insurgents to spread panic and inflict mass harm on the civilian population. Lt. Col. Sani Uba, representing the task force, noted that troops acted swiftly alongside local police to stabilize the affected areas and support the rescue efforts. He urged the public to stay calm but maintain a high level of alertness, particularly in crowded spaces.
While a uneasy calm has returned to the city, security presence has been significantly heightened. Surveillance teams are patrolling major landmarks and residential neighborhoods to prevent any further breaches. Authorities have reiterated their resolve to track down those behind the planning of these attacks, maintaining that the long-term goal remains the restoration of lasting peace and stability across the region.
