At least 23 people have been confirmed dead, with 146 others injured, following a series of explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday night. The blasts struck key locations across the city, including the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Monday Market, and the Post Office area, sending panic through the once relatively calm city.
According to Surajo Abdullahi of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), a total of 169 victims were evacuated to hospitals across Maiduguri. “Currently, 108 victims are receiving treatment at UMTH, 20 at Umaru Shehu Hospital, and 17 at Maiduguri Specialist Hospital,” he said.
Residents described the attacks as a chilling return to the dark days of violence the city had long moved past. One resident, speaking anonymously, said: “The explosions have brought back fear and disturbing scenes, signaling a worrying resurgence of insecurity.”
The last major incident in the city occurred in 2021, when suspected Boko Haram fighters launched mortar attacks that killed at least 10 people, followed by a suicide bombing at a mosque in Gambarou market.
In response to the latest tragedy, the Borno State Police Command has deployed its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, while joint security operatives and emergency responders have taken control of the situation.
The incident comes hours after another attack on a military location in Ajilari, an outskirt of Maiduguri, raising concerns over a possible escalation of violence in the region.
Footage circulating online showed damaged stalls, scattered goods, and injured victims being helped by bystanders as security operatives and emergency responders rushed to the sites. A spokesperson for the Borno State government said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Security forces are on the ground and investigations are underway.”
Maiduguri has long been affected by insurgency linked to extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Authorities have urged residents to remain calm but vigilant as security operations continue across the city.