Maiduguri Attacks: Explosives Hidden in Food Flask Used by Teen Suspects

New details have emerged on how security personnel prevented what could have been a devastating attack at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital after intercepting three teenage suspects carrying explosives concealed in a food flask.

The incident occurred on March 16 and formed part of a coordinated wave of attacks across Maiduguri that left at least 23 people dead and 108 others injured, underscoring persistent security threats in Borno State.

According to eyewitness accounts, the suspects—believed to be between 13 and 14 years old—arrived at the hospital entrance in a commercial tricycle, commonly known as Keke Napep, posing as visitors bringing food to patients.

A security guard at the facility, Ali Musa, said their behaviour raised suspicion when they approached the gate at high speed, ignoring standard security procedures.

“We had already tightened checks after hearing about an earlier explosion in the city. When they didn’t slow down, we knew something was wrong,” he said.

Musa explained that after being challenged, the suspects attempted to retreat but threw the food flask towards him, triggering an explosion at the entrance. A second blast followed shortly after, injuring security staff and bystanders.

The intervention is believed to have prevented the attackers from reaching the hospital’s main building, where patients, visitors and medical personnel were present.

A shop owner near the facility confirmed that the suspects appeared to be targeting the hospital, suggesting the attack could have resulted in significantly higher casualties.

The hospital incident coincided with another explosion at the Monday Market, where witnesses said a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in a crowded area.

Maiduguri remains a focal point of insurgent activities linked to Boko Haram and affiliated groups. While security operations have reduced large-scale violence in recent years, the use of minors in such attacks signals a troubling shift in tactics.

Security experts say the trend highlights the need for stronger intelligence gathering and community-based interventions to counter radicalisation and prevent further incidents.

See also:

SALAH ANNOUNCES LIVERPOOL DEPARTURE.

SINNER POWERS INTO MIAMI QUARTERFINALS.

COCO GAUFF BATTLES INTO FIRST MIAMI OPEN SEMI-FINAL.

JALEN BRUNSON LEADS KNICKS TO SEVENTH STRAIGHT WIN.

Iran Partially Reopens Strait of Hormuz to Non-Hostile Shipping Amid Rising Tensions