Multiple explosions struck Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Monday evening, leaving many people feared dead and several others injured.
The blasts, believed to have been caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by suspected members of Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram, occurred at multiple locations across the city.
Sources said the explosions happened at about 7:00 p.m. around the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Post Office area, and the Monday Market, locations that were crowded at the time.
Although the exact number of casualties has not yet been confirmed, eyewitnesses reported that many victims sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
The injured were taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital, and Umaru Shehu Hospital for treatment.
One eyewitness said the explosion occurred while residents were breaking their fast during the Ramadan period.
“We were breaking our fast when we heard a loud sound. I saw many people on the ground. It happened in a crowded market as people were trying to leave,” the witness said.
Confirming the incident, the Borno State Police Command said its Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit had been deployed to the affected locations, including Monday Market and the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Police spokesperson Nahum Daso said the explosions occurred at about 7:20 p.m., adding that security agencies and emergency responders were already on ground.
He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and avoid the affected areas while assessments continue.
The attack comes amid ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the region by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the police and the Civilian Joint Task Force.
Reacting to the development, Babagana Zulum condemned the explosions, describing them as “despicable, cruel and cowardly.”
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor—who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj—expressed sympathy for the victims.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” Zulum said.
He attributed the recent spike in attacks to intensified military operations against insurgents in Sambisa Forest and other hideouts, assuring residents that security agencies were working to prevent further attacks.
The governor also urged residents to remain calm, go about their normal activities, and report suspicious movements to authorities.
