President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s top security chiefs to immediately relocate to Borno State following multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri that left at least 23 people dead and over 100 injured.
The attacks, suspected to have been carried out by suicide bombers, occurred on Monday evening at three key locations: the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover. The Borno State Police Command confirmed the casualties, with 23 fatalities and 108 others sustaining injuries of varying degrees.
Describing the incident as “profoundly upsetting,” President Tinubu expressed condolences to the victims and residents of the state. He emphasized that the attacks were “final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instill fear,” asserting that insurgents remain under pressure from Nigerian security forces.
In response to the attacks, Tinubu ordered security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of on-ground operations. He also directed emergency agencies to ensure proper medical care for the injured and revealed that additional military equipment and operational support had recently been approved for security agencies.
The president commended Nigerian troops for repelling coordinated assaults on military formations in Borno State, affirming that the military and civilian task forces will continue to combat terrorism effectively.
The bombings occurred at approximately 7:24 pm, coinciding with iftar, the evening meal during Ramadan, increasing civilian vulnerability. Security agencies, including the police, military, and explosive ordnance disposal teams, were deployed to secure the affected areas and conduct sweep operations. Emergency responders evacuated victims to hospitals for treatment.
Despite assurances of increased security, the attack has renewed concerns over the persistent threat of insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East. President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to eradicating terrorism, stating: “There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them.”
