The Nigerian Army has raised new concerns about multiple suicide bombers in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and warned residents to avoid crowded areas as security is stepped up.
The warning comes after Monday evening’s attacks, which killed 23 people and injured 108, leaving the city in shock.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sanni Uba, said the attacks were aimed at crowded public areas to cause mass casualties and panic.
He said three locations were affected: the Post Office area, Monday Market axis, and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).
The statement reads, “The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) wishes to inform the general public of suicide bomb explosions that occurred at about 7:05 p.m. on Monday, 16 March 2026, in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC).”
According to the statement, suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers carried out the explosions during Iftar (breaking of fast).
“The cowardly attacks targeted crowded public areas in an attempt by the terrorists to inflict mass casualties and create panic within the metropolis,” he said.
The statement added that troops of Operation HADIN KAI, along with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team and other security agencies, acted quickly to secure the locations and prevent further harm.
“Emergency response teams, including personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other medical service providers, promptly evacuated casualties to the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention.”
“Preliminary information further indicates that the terrorists may have deployed multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri with the intention of carrying out coordinated suicide bombings at crowded locations. Security forces have therefore intensified surveillance, patrols, and counter-IED measures across the metropolis to track down any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks,” Sanni assured.
He added that medical teams are attending to the injured at various hospitals while emergency responders continue rescue and evacuation efforts at the affected sites.
The spokesperson urged the public to stay calm but alert: “avoid crowded areas where possible and promptly report any suspicious persons, unattended items or unusual activities to the nearest security agency.”
“Operation HADIN KAI commiserates with the families of the victims and assures the public that troops and all security agencies remain fully committed to safeguarding lives and property while relentlessly pursuing terrorist elements responsible for these heinous acts,” the statement concluded.
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Meanwhile, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, condemned the attacks in Maiduguri, calling them heinous, barbaric, and a direct assault on innocent lives.
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) also expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and wished the injured a quick recovery, while condemning the attacks.
In a press statement signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs) of Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Yahaya expressed deep sorrow over the incident and offered condolences to the people of Borno State, especially families who lost loved ones.
“This senseless act of violence is not only reprehensible but also a cruel attempt to instil fear and disrupt the fragile peace being restored in the North-East. It is an attack on our collective humanity and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” the governor said.
He also sympathised with victims receiving treatment and praised first responders and security agencies for their swift action. Governor Yahaya reaffirmed the Northern Governors’ commitment to work with the federal government and security agencies to confront terrorism and criminality.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while helping security agencies with credible information. “Now, more than ever, we must stand united against forces of terror. Our resolve to secure our region remains unshaken, and together, we shall overcome these cowardly acts,” he added.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya prayed for the souls of those who died and called for efforts to bring the attackers to justice.
Senator Ndume, currently in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah, also condemned the bombings, describing them as barbaric, inhumane, and an attack on innocent citizens, especially in busy areas like Monday Market and UMTH.
He sympathised with Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the bereaved families, and those injured, while commending the swift response of security agencies.
“I cannot begin to imagine the pain and burden on our governor at this moment. This is a deeply heartbreaking situation for him and for all of us. May Allah grant us comfort, strength, and healing,” Ndume said.
He called on citizens to stay alert, particularly as Eid approaches, and urged everyone to report suspicious activity. “We must not let our guard down at this critical time,” he said.
Senator Ndume concluded by praying for the souls of the deceased, the speedy recovery of the injured, and lasting peace in Borno State and Nigeria.