At least 23 people have been confirmed dead, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following coordinated bomb explosions that struck parts of Maiduguri on Monday evening.
Earlier reports indicated that the blasts occurred at the Post Office Flyover, the Maiduguri Monday Market, and the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).
Confirming the casualty figures on Tuesday, spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, said investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attacks.
According to him, the explosions, which occurred around 7:24pm on March 16, 2026, were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
“Preliminary findings show that the incidents were the result of suspected suicide bombings. Sadly, 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others were injured,” he stated.
Daso added that a joint security response involving police tactical units, the military, and other operatives was immediately deployed to the affected areas. The locations were secured, cordoned off, and thoroughly swept by the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit to eliminate any further threats.
He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmaji, visited the scenes to assess the situation and ongoing response efforts.
During the visit, the police chief sympathised with victims and their families, assuring residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
Victims were swiftly evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency, to hospitals where they are currently receiving treatment.
The police said normalcy has since been restored in the affected areas, with increased security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its surroundings to prevent further incidents.
Authorities also confirmed that investigations are ongoing to uncover those responsible and bring them to justice.
Residents have been urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activities or objects to the nearest security agency.
