The Borno State Police Command has confirmed a series of explosions in Maiduguri, the state capital, believed to have been carried out by Boko Haram/ISWAP suicide bombers. Dozens of residents are feared dead or injured in the attacks.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Keneth Daso, confirmed the incidents during a phone conversation with Vanguard while actively involved in rescue operations. He stated that the blasts occurred simultaneously at the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and the Monday Market area.
“It was very difficult to give the actual number of casualties as the rescue mission is ongoing,” Daso said, adding that many people were killed and injured. He also noted that the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and Base 13 Maiduguri are on the ground assessing the situation.
Residents were urged to stay indoors and avoid the affected areas, with emergency contact numbers released as 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293.
According to sources, four blasts occurred between 6:45 pm and 7:00 pm, affecting Monday Market, Kaleri, the Post Office, and UMTH, leaving multiple casualties. Some explosions were reportedly carried out by suicide bombers, including a female attacker, while the blast at the Post Office erupted from a tricycle (Keke Napep) at a busy bus stop.
Following the attacks, residents rushed home in panic while ambulances evacuated victims to UMTH, State Specialist Hospital, Umaru Shehu UltraModern Hospital, and other emergency facilities. Security agencies also blocked major roads and entrances to prevent further attacks.
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The explosions come less than 24 hours after insurgents attempted to infiltrate Kofa community on the outskirts of Maiduguri but were repelled.
A survivor, Ali Abba, described the devastating impact of the blasts: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. We have witnessed and received heartbreaking news of a twin bomb blast at Post Office Road link to Monday Market and the main gate of UMTH in Maiduguri. May Allah have mercy on the victims and grant quick healing to those injured. It is deeply painful that such a tragic incident has occurred during this sacred month of worship. May Allah protect His servants, comfort the families of those affected, and grant our community peace and security.”