The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that 23 people died and 108 others were injured after bomb blasts hit three different spots in Maiduguri.
The explosions occurred around 7:24pm on Monday, striking a main market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Nahum Daso, the police said, “preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.”
“Regrettably, a total of twenty three (23) persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight (108) others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the statement added.
Daso said a joint team of Police Tactical Units, the Military, and other security forces were quickly sent to the affected areas.
“The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats,” the statement noted.
Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, visited the sites to assess the situation and check ongoing response efforts. He also expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, assuring the public of the Command’s dedication to protecting lives and property.
According to Daso, victims were quickly taken to hospitals by emergency teams, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The police added that normal life has returned to the affected areas and that investigations are ongoing.
“Meanwhile, joint security operatives have heightened security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent any further occurrences,” the statement said.
“Investigations are ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring perpetrators to justice. The Borno State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to the nearest security agency.”
Governor Babagana Zulum also called for calm after the attacks.
In a statement on Monday, Zulum condemned the bombings, describing them as “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.”
The governor added that targeting civilians and places of worship is unacceptable, especially during a time when Muslim faithful are observing acts of devotion.
