No fewer than 23 people have been confirmed dead, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday evening.
The coordinated blasts, suspected to be suicide improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, occurred at the bustling Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), and the Post Office Flyover at about 7:24 p.m.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, preliminary investigations indicate that the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.
Security operatives, including Police Tactical Units, the military, and other joint forces, were swiftly deployed to the affected locations to restore order and prevent further incidents.
The areas were immediately secured, cordoned off, and thoroughly swept by the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit Base 13 in Maiduguri to detect and neutralize any additional threats.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, also visited the scenes of the attacks to assess the situation and oversee response efforts.
Victims were promptly evacuated to nearby medical facilities by emergency responders, including officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Authorities have assured residents that normalcy has been restored, with increased security presence and surveillance across the city to forestall further attacks. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
Residents have been urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activities or objects to security agencies through the emergency contact lines: 08068075581 and 08023473293.
