By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured in multiple suspected suicide bomb attacks that struck key locations in Maiduguri, even as security agencies said normalcy has been restored and surveillance intensified across the state capital.
The explosions occurred at about 7:24 p.m. on Monday 16,March, 2026, at the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover area.
According to the police, preliminary investigation indicates that the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers who detonated improvised explosive devices at the crowded locations.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the command described the incidents as devastating but assured residents that security operatives responded swiftly to contain the situation.
“Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions that occurred at about 1924HRS on 16th March, 2026, at Maiduguri Monday Market, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and Post Office Flyover area, preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers,” the statement said.
The police confirmed that the blasts resulted in heavy casualties.
“Regrettably, a total of twenty-three persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the command stated.
Security agencies, including police tactical units, the military and other joint security operatives, were immediately deployed to the affected areas to secure the scenes and prevent further attacks.
“Following the incidents, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, the Military, and other Joint Security Operatives were 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,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the locations of the explosions to assess the situation and monitor the ongoing response efforts.
According to the command, the police chief also sympathised with victims and their families while assuring residents of continued security.
“He commiserated with victims and their families, while assuring the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” the statement said.
Emergency responders, including officials of the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.
“Victims were promptly evacuated by emergency responders, including NEMA and SEMA, to medical facilities where they are currently receiving treatment,” the police said.
The command stated that calm has returned to the affected areas but added that security presence has been strengthened across Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
“Borno State Police Command wishes to state that normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas. Meanwhile, joint security operatives have heightened security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent any further occurrences,” the statement read.
The police disclosed that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the attacks and to identify those responsible.
The command also called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements or objects.
“The Borno State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to the nearest security agency,” the statement said.
The police appreciated the cooperation of residents and reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.
