Multiple explosions struck parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday evening, leaving an unconfirmed number of people dead and several others injured, hours after security forces repelled coordinated attacks by suspected insurgents on military positions.
According to The PUNCH, the blasts occurred around the busy Monday Market area and near a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital at about 7:02 p.m., according to local sources.
Emergency responders, including officials of the Federal Fire Service, were immediately deployed to the affected locations.
The Head of Operations of the agency in Borno State, Mohammed Kafaran, confirmed the incident, saying teams had been sent to assess the situation.
“There was a bomb explosion around the Monday Market axis. Our personnel have been mobilised to the scene, and we are working to determine the extent of the damage,” he said.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with casualties lying on the ground while the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals.
“One moment everywhere was normal, then we heard a loud explosion. People started running in different directions,” a resident said.
“Many victims were quickly taken to the State Specialist Hospital.”
The explosions followed earlier overnight attacks by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters targeting military formations in Ajilari, Damboa, and Baga.
Confirming the attempted incursions, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Nahum Daso, said joint security teams successfully repelled the attackers.
“Security operatives, including the military, police, and civilian joint task force, responded swiftly and forced the insurgents to retreat,” Daso stated. “The attempted infiltrations were foiled, and normalcy has been restored.”
He added that although the insurgents were believed to have suffered casualties, there were no reported losses among security personnel.
Residents in affected areas recounted hours of intense gunfire during the attacks.
“It was a frightening night. We heard heavy shooting near the military base, but the soldiers resisted them,” one resident in Damboa said.
The renewed violence comes weeks after a deadly assault on a military base in Ngoshe, where several civilians were reportedly killed and hundreds abducted.
Reacting to the latest incidents, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attacks, describing them as senseless and inhumane.
“I am deeply saddened by these explosions targeting innocent civilians,” the governor said in a statement.
“This act is cruel and unacceptable. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
Zulum assured residents that security agencies remain in control and urged the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with authorities.
Security analysts say the pattern of attacks suggests a coordinated effort by insurgents to demonstrate continued operational strength despite ongoing military offensives.
“These incidents appear to be retaliatory and carefully planned,” a counterterrorism expert noted.
“The simultaneous nature of the attacks shows that these groups still retain the capacity to strike both civilian and military targets.”
