RESIDENTS of Maiduguri were thrown into mourning and panic after a series of coordinated bomb blasts tore through key locations in the city on Monday night, leaving at least 23 people dead and 146 injured.
News Point Nigeria reports that the attacks, believed to have been carried out by suspected members of Boko Haram, targeted crowded public areas during the evening rush, coinciding with the Iftar period when many Muslims break their fast.
Police authorities confirmed that the explosions occurred at about 7:24 p.m. at three major locations: the bustling Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover.
In an updated statement issued on Tuesday, the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Kenneth-Daso, said the incidents were the result of suspected suicide bombings.
“Regrettably, a total of twenty-three persons lost their lives, while over one hundred others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” he said, adding that the figure of the injured has risen to about 146 as more victims were identified and treated.
Security officials described the attacks as carefully coordinated, with the perpetrators deliberately targeting high-traffic areas to inflict maximum damage.
The North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, revealed that intelligence reports indicate the possible deployment of multiple suicide bombers into the city.
According to its spokesperson, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, the attackers struck at peak hours to cause widespread panic and casualties.
“Preliminary information suggests that terrorists may have deployed multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri with the intention of carrying out coordinated attacks at crowded locations,” he said.
The warning has heightened fears of additional threats within the metropolis, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance and counter-IED operations.
In the aftermath of the explosions, a joint team of police tactical units, the military, and other security agencies swiftly moved to secure the affected areas.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts conducted thorough sweeps to ensure no additional devices were left behind.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), evacuated victims to medical facilities across the city, including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, General Hospital, and Specialist Hospital.
Medical teams have since been working round the clock to stabilise the injured, many of whom sustained severe wounds.
The Commissioner of Police in Borno State, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the blast sites to assess the situation and reassure residents.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged the command’s commitment to restoring safety.
Despite the relative calm, security agencies have urged residents to exercise caution, particularly by avoiding crowded places for the time being.
They also called on the public to report suspicious movements, unattended items, or unusual activities promptly.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to track down any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks,” Uba added.