Security chiefs have relocated to Maiduguri to take charge following Monday night’s coordinated suicide bombings that left 23 people dead and 108 injured. President Bola Tinubu described the attacks as “desperate and frantic attempts” by terrorists under pressure from security forces.
Three suicide bombers struck almost simultaneously around 7:02 p.m. at the Maiduguri Monday Market, Post Office Flyover area, and the security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Tinubu mourned the victims and commended troops for repelling coordinated assaults on military positions.
“I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear,” Tinubu said, adding that he directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri and emergency agencies to care for the injured.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the casualty figures, with spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso stating that preliminary investigations indicate suspected suicide bombers carried out the attacks. Victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The attacks occurred amid renewed insurgent activity in Borno State, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, when Monday Market is crowded. This follows coordinated assaults by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province two weeks earlier in Gwoza LGA.
Residents recounted narrow escapes. Sanni Muhammad, 35, and his brother Bashir, 17, said a brief traffic delay saved them from the Monday Market explosion.
The Nigerian Army warned of possible deployment of multiple suicide bombers, urging residents to avoid crowded areas. Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, spokesperson for Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed troops intensified surveillance and counter-IED measures.
Political leaders condemned the attacks. Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas called for renewed efforts against terrorism, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the government’s response and highlighted the resurgence of insecurity. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi described the attacks as a painful reminder of government failures to protect lives, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso warned of a resurgence of terrorism.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attacks, assuring residents that security agencies are responding. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Northern States Governors’ Forum also condemned the attacks and reaffirmed support for security operations.
Senator Ali Ndume urged the President to prioritise security over political matters, while the African Democratic Congress called on Tinubu to return from the UK to address the crisis. The Peoples Democratic Party blamed the administration for worsening insecurity, calling for strategic engagement with community leaders.
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The National Association of Nigerian Students called for a thorough investigation and increased protection for students in the North-East. Meanwhile, the Yobe State Police Command issued a security alert ahead of Eid-el-Fitr, urging vigilance in crowded areas and reinforcing security at worship centres and public spaces.
The attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges in Borno and the North-East, with authorities and communities urged to remain vigilant and support security agencies in combating terrorism.
