Twenty-three persons have been confirmed dead while 108 sustained varying degrees of injuries following bomb explosions that simultaneously rocked three locations in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday.
News had earlier reported that the locations included the Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri Monday Market, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The spokesman for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, who confirmed the death toll in a statement on Tuesday, said the investigation was still ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The statement read, “Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions that occurred at about 7:24pm on March 16, 2026, at (1) Maiduguri Monday Market, (2) University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and (3) Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers. Regrettably, 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
Daso said that following the incidents, a combined team of police tactical units, the military, and other security operatives was swiftly deployed to the affected areas.
“The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats,” he added.
He also noted that the state Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmaji, visited the affected locations to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and evaluate ongoing response efforts.
“He commiserated with victims and their families, while assuring the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” he said.
He said victims were promptly evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, to medical facilities where they were receiving treatment.
“The Borno State Police Command wishes to state that normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas. Meanwhile, security operatives have heightened their presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent any further occurrences,” he added.
“Investigations are ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring perpetrators to justice,” Daso said.
The police spokesman urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to the nearest security agency.
Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, had condemned the attack.
Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, targeting innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the Eid period approaches.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of theblast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” Zulum said.
He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.”
The governor therefore assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies were on top of the situation, as adequate measures had been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.
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