Maiduguri blasts kill 23 and injure 108 as coordinated explosions hit market, hospital and flyover in Borno State

At least 23 persons have been confirmed dead and 108 others injured after coordinated bomb explosions struck three locations across Maiduguri on Monday evening.

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The spokesman for the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, disclosed the figures in a statement on Tuesday, noting that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attacks.

The explosions occurred at the Maiduguri Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate and the Post Office Flyover area at about 7:24pm.

Nahum Daso said preliminary findings indicate that suspected suicide bombers carried out the attacks.

He described the incident as devastating, with casualties recorded across all affected locations.

Following the blasts, a joint team of police tactical units, the military and other security agencies was swiftly deployed to secure the scenes and prevent further threats.

The Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit conducted detailed sweep operations to rule out additional explosive devices, while the areas were cordoned off for safety.

The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmaji, visited the sites for an on-the-spot assessment and to evaluate response efforts.

Naziru Abdulmaji also commiserated with victims and their families, assuring residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, evacuated victims to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment.

Authorities said normalcy has since been restored in the affected areas, with heightened surveillance and security presence across Maiduguri to prevent further incidents.

The Maiduguri blasts kill 23 incident has drawn condemnation from Babagana Zulum, who described the attack as cruel and cowardly.

Babagana Zulum, currently in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj, expressed sympathy with victims and called for increased vigilance, especially as the Eid period approaches.

He linked the recent surge in attacks to intensified military operations targeting insurgents in strongholds such as the Sambisa Forest.

Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm but alert, and to report any suspicious movement or objects promptly.