23 Confirmed Dead, 146 Injured In Maiduguri Explosions

The Borno State capital of Maiduguri descended into panic and grief on Monday night after three powerful explosions ripped through crowded locations in the city, killing at least 23 persons and injuring 146 others in what authorities described as suspected suicide bombings.

The blasts struck almost simultaneously around 7:30pm at the entrance gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the bustling Monday Market, and the Post Office business hub, areas normally teeming with residents and traders shortly after breaking the Ramadan fast.

Surajo Abdullahi, Zonal Coordinator at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the casualty figures while speaking to reporters. He disclosed that 169 victims were immediately evacuated to three major hospitals in the city for urgent treatment.

“108 are currently receiving treatment at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), 20 at Umaru Shehu hospital, and 17 at Maiduguri Specialist hospital,” Abdullahi stated.

Many long-time residents of the ancient city, which had enjoyed relative peace for several years, expressed deep shock at the sudden return of violence.

“Everything has now returned fresh – the fear, and the gory scenes. These multiple blasts have indicated a significant surge in violence in a city that has been peaceful over the years,” one resident told NaijaChoice News, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The attacks came barely 24 hours after suspected militants struck a military location at Ajilari, an outskirt of Maiduguri, on Sunday night, heightening tension across the state.

Borno State Police Command spokesman, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed that preliminary investigations point to suspected suicide bombers. He said the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) has been deployed to all three scenes for thorough assessment and that the areas have been cordoned off.

“Joint security operatives and emergency responders are on top of the situation,” Daso assured residents while urging them to remain calm but vigilant and report any suspicious movement to security agencies.

NaijaChoice News gathered that no group has yet claimed responsibility for the blasts, though security analysts link the incident to a possible resurgence of activities by groups like Boko Haram and its splinter factions in the northeast.

The last major attack in Maiduguri itself occurred in 2021 when Boko Haram fighters fired mortars into the city, killing at least 10 people, followed by a suicide bombing at a mosque in the Gamboru market area.

As hospitals continue to manage the influx of victims and security agencies intensify patrols, residents are calling for stronger measures to prevent a return to the dark days of daily bombings and shootings that once defined life in the city.