Residents of Maiduguri woke up to heightened fear and caution on Friday as Babagana Umara Zulum warned of a possible terrorist attack during Eid prayers. The governor said intelligence reports suggest that two suspected suicide bombers are planning to strike within the city.
Speaking during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored in Damaturu, Governor Zulum urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious movements. According to him, the warning is based on credible intelligence gathered by security agencies.
“We have intelligence that there are two suicide bombers lurking around to carry out attacks, and we are calling on all our people to remain vigilant,” the governor said.
The warning comes at a sensitive time as Muslims in Borno and across Nigeria mark Eid al-Fitr, the festival that signals the end of Ramadan. Eid prayers usually attract large gatherings in mosques and open prayer grounds, making them potential targets for attacks.
The governor’s alert follows a series of deadly explosions that rocked Maiduguri earlier in the week. The attacks occurred at three separate locations, including the gate of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, a busy roundabout, and the Post Office area.
Reports indicate that more than 20 people were killed, while over 100 others sustained injuries in the blasts. Many of the victims were said to be civilians going about their daily activities.
The explosions also took place near the popular Monday Market, one of the busiest commercial centres in the city. The incident caused panic and confusion, with emergency responders rushing victims to nearby hospitals.
This latest warning is Governor Zulum’s first direct public comment since those attacks.
Borno State has been at the centre of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency for over a decade. The Islamist militant group Boko Haram has carried out numerous attacks in the region, targeting civilians, security forces, and public infrastructure.
Although the Nigerian military has recorded significant gains in recent years, including reclaiming territories previously held by insurgents, security challenges remain. Splinter groups and remnants of insurgents continue to carry out bombings, ambushes, and raids.
Governor Zulum acknowledged that insurgents are currently under pressure from ongoing military operations. However, he warned that they may attempt to launch attacks in urban areas like Maiduguri as a diversion tactic.
“Even though they are being weakened, they may want to create panic by attacking soft targets,” he suggested.
Despite the warning, the governor expressed confidence that security agencies are prepared to prevent any planned attacks.
At the time of Monday’s explosions, Governor Zulum was in Saudi Arabia performing the lesser Hajj. From there, he issued a statement through his spokesperson condemning the attacks.
He described the bombings as “cowardly and barbaric,” noting that they targeted innocent people during the holy month of Ramadan. The governor said such acts go against the values of humanity and religion.
In the statement, his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, called on residents to remain calm but vigilant. He also urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance, especially in crowded areas and places of worship.
With Eid celebrations underway, the Borno State Government has emphasized the need for extra caution. Large gatherings, including Eid prayer grounds, markets, and recreational centres, have been identified as potential targets.
Residents have been advised to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious individuals or objects. The government also encouraged community leaders and religious authorities to help spread awareness about safety measures.
Security presence has reportedly been increased in key parts of Maiduguri, including entry and exit points, major roads, and public spaces.
Governor Zulum reassured citizens that the military and other security agencies are fully in control of the situation. He said proactive steps have been taken to prevent any breach of security during the festive period.
“We have put adequate measures in place to ensure that people celebrate safely,” he said.
Maiduguri, once heavily affected by insurgent attacks, has shown resilience over the years. Markets have reopened, schools are functioning, and displaced persons have gradually returned to their communities.
However, incidents like Monday’s bombings serve as reminders that the threat has not been completely eliminated.
The situation in Borno has implications for the entire country. As the epicentre of the insurgency, developments in the state often influence security strategies at the national level.
The Federal Government has repeatedly pledged to end insurgency and restore lasting peace in the North-East. However, challenges such as difficult terrain, cross-border movements, and limited resources continue to complicate efforts.
As residents observe Eid prayers, many are doing so with mixed feelings—gratitude for life, but also caution due to the security warning.
For families who lost loved ones in the recent attacks, the festive period is marked by grief rather than celebration.
Authorities say the best way to prevent further tragedies is through cooperation between citizens and security agencies. They stress that timely reporting of suspicious activities could save lives.
Governor Zulum’s message remains clear: stay alert, remain calm, and continue daily activities without fear, but with caution.
As Maiduguri navigates yet another tense moment, the hope among residents is that peace will prevail and that the city can continue its gradual recovery from years of conflict.