23 Killed, Over 100 Injured as Bomb Blasts Rock Maiduguri

At least 23 people have been confirmed dead and more than 100 others injured following multiple bomb explosions that struck key locations in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, late Monday, in one of the deadliest incidents in the city in recent months.

The attacks, which occurred around 7:24 p.m., targeted the busy Monday Market area, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Post Office flyover, sending shockwaves across the metropolis.

The Borno State Police Command, through its spokesperson Nahum Daso, said preliminary investigations indicate that suspected suicide bombers deployed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in coordinated attacks.

Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, swiftly evacuated victims to nearby hospitals, where many are receiving treatment for varying degrees of injuries.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with bodies lying on the ground and injured victims crying for help as rescue teams battled to contain the situation.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the affected locations for an on-the-spot assessment and extended condolences to victims and their families.

Security agencies, including troops under Operation Hadin Kai, police tactical units and local vigilante groups, were immediately deployed to secure the areas and prevent further attacks. Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams also conducted sweep operations to detect and neutralise any additional threats.

The bombings came hours after suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched coordinated overnight assaults on military positions in Ajilari, Damboa and Baga. Security forces reportedly repelled those attacks after intense gunfire and air support.

Maiduguri, once the epicentre of insurgent violence in the North-East, has experienced relative calm in recent years due to sustained military operations. However, sporadic attacks such as Monday’s incident highlight the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups.

Authorities said normalcy has been restored in the affected areas, while security has been intensified across the city.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as security agencies continue efforts to stabilise the region and prevent further attacks.