Maiduguri Horror: 23 Dead, 108 Injured in Coordinated Bomb Attacks

Maiduguri Horror: 23 Dead, 108 Injured in Coordinated Bomb Attacks

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that 23 people were killed and 108 others injured following coordinated bomb explosions in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The Maiduguri bombings, which occurred at about 7:24 p.m. on March 16, 2026, targeted multiple high-traffic locations, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and the Post Office Flyover area.

According to the police spokesperson, Nahum Daso, preliminary investigations indicate that the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“Regrettably, 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the statement said.

Following the explosions, a joint team of security operatives, including the police and military, was rapidly deployed to secure the affected areas. Explosive experts conducted sweep operations to detect and neutralise any additional threats, while the scenes were cordoned off to prevent further casualties.

The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmaji, also visited the locations for an on-the-spot assessment, assuring residents of intensified efforts to safeguard lives and property.

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Victims were evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to hospitals across Maiduguri where they are currently receiving treatment.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and devastation as the explosions struck within minutes of each other, suggesting a coordinated attack strategy. Residents described seeing injured victims being rushed to hospitals, while others recounted hearing loud blasts that shook nearby areas.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, condemned the attacks, describing them as “barbaric, inhumane, and cowardly.” Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, expressed condolences to victims and their families, noting that the incident occurred during the holy month of Ramadan.

He further linked the recent surge in attacks to intensified military operations targeting insurgent hideouts, particularly in the Sambisa forest, while assuring residents that security agencies are working to prevent further breaches.

Although no group has officially claimed responsibility for the Borno explosions, security experts say the pattern is consistent with previous attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, both known for targeting crowded civilian areas using suicide bombers.

Authorities say normalcy has been restored in Maiduguri, but security presence has been significantly increased across the city and surrounding areas. Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the attack and bring those responsible to justice, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

The Maiduguri bombings highlight the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East, despite ongoing military efforts, as authorities continue working to prevent further attacks and strengthen public safety.

Maiduguri Horror: 23 Dead, 108 Injured in Coordinated Bomb Attacks