At least 23 people have been confirmed dead and 146 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Monday night. The attacks, which occurred at key locations across the city, have raised fresh concerns about security in an area that had enjoyed relative calm in recent years.
The explosions were reported at the entrance gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the popular Monday Market, and the Post Office area. These locations are among the busiest parts of Maiduguri, making the impact of the attacks more severe, with many casualties recorded.
According to Surajo Abdullahi, a Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency, a total of 169 victims were evacuated from the blast scenes to three hospitals across the city. He explained that emergency responders acted quickly to move the injured and provide immediate care.
“Out of the victims, 108 are currently receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, 20 at Umaru Shehu Hospital, and 17 at Maiduguri Specialist Hospital,” Abdullahi said. He added that medical personnel were working round the clock to stabilise those injured, some of whom are said to be in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the explosions went off almost simultaneously. Residents and traders fled for safety, while emergency workers rushed to rescue victims. Many families have since been left searching for missing loved ones, as hospitals continue to receive casualties.
For many residents, the attacks have brought back painful memories of the years when Maiduguri was frequently hit by violence linked to insurgency. The city, once at the centre of attacks by Boko Haram, had in recent years experienced a level of peace that allowed businesses and daily life to gradually return to normal.
A resident who witnessed one of the blasts said the latest attacks have shattered that sense of safety. “Everything has now returned fresh — the fear and the gory scenes. These multiple blasts show that violence is rising again in a city that has been peaceful over the years,” he said.
The last major attack in Maiduguri before this incident occurred in 2021, when insurgents fired mortars into the city, killing at least 10 people. That incident was followed by a suicide bombing at a mosque in the Gambarou market area. Since then, security forces had recorded significant success in reducing attacks within the city, although threats remained in surrounding communities.
Security agencies have moved quickly to respond to the latest situation. The Borno State Police Command confirmed that its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit had been deployed to the affected areas to assess the scenes and prevent further danger. The police also assured residents that joint security operatives were working together to secure the city.
The spokesman of the command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said emergency responders and security personnel were fully on top of the situation. He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, while also reporting any suspicious activity to authorities.
The attacks came just hours after another security incident on Sunday night, when a military location at Ajilari, on the outskirts of Maiduguri, was attacked. Residents were still trying to recover from that incident when the explosions occurred, increasing fears about a possible rise in coordinated attacks.
Maiduguri has long been a key location in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency in the North-East. As the birthplace of Boko Haram, the city has seen years of conflict, leading to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and destruction of infrastructure. However, sustained military operations in recent years had pushed many insurgents out of the city, allowing some level of stability to return.
The renewed violence now raises questions about the current security situation and whether insurgent groups are attempting to regain strength. Security experts have often warned that while attacks may reduce for a period, the threat remains as long as armed groups continue to operate in the region.
Humanitarian organisations have also expressed concern over the impact of the attacks on civilians. Borno State already hosts thousands of internally displaced persons who rely on aid for survival. Any increase in violence could worsen the humanitarian situation and disrupt ongoing support efforts.
Meanwhile, hospitals in Maiduguri are facing pressure as they attend to the large number of injured victims. Medical workers are calling for additional support, including blood donations and medical supplies, to manage the situation effectively.
The Borno State Government is yet to release an official statement detailing further steps, but sources indicate that security measures across the city are being strengthened. Checkpoints have been increased, and patrols intensified in key areas to prevent further incidents.
As investigations continue, many in Maiduguri are hoping that the situation will not return to the dark days of constant fear and violence. For now, the focus remains on treating the injured, supporting affected families, and restoring calm in a city once again shaken by tragedy.
