At least 23 people have been confirmed dead and 108 others injured following multiple bomb explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Monday evening.
The explosions, which occurred around 7:24 p.m. shortly after the iftar meal, targeted three locations in the city — the popular Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover area.
According to the Borno State Police Command, preliminary investigations indicate that the coordinated attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Police said emergency responders and security agencies were immediately deployed to the affected areas after the explosions.
A combined team of police tactical units, the military and other joint security operatives secured and cordoned off the locations, while the police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit conducted sweep operations to detect any additional explosive devices.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the blast sites for an on-the-spot assessment and to evaluate ongoing rescue and security operations.
He commiserated with victims and their families, assuring residents that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property.
Victims of the attacks were evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, to hospitals where they are currently receiving treatment.
Authorities said normalcy has been restored in the affected areas, while security presence and surveillance have been intensified across Maiduguri and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks.
Police spokesperson, Nahum Kenneth Daso, said investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to bring those responsible to justice.
The police also urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
The attack comes amid renewed insurgent activities in Borno State, where extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have intensified assaults on military positions and communities in recent weeks.
