Fresh details have emerged on the deadly Maiduguri hospital bomb attack, revealing how three teenage suspects allegedly attempted to infiltrate the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital with explosives hidden inside a food flask.
The attackers, disguised as visitors bringing food to patients, were intercepted at the hospital’s main gate by alert security personnel , a move that likely prevented far greater devastation inside the facility.
According to a security operative, Ali Musa, the teenagers arrived in a tricycle, commonly known as Keke Napep, and drove towards the entrance at an unusual speed.
Their behaviour immediately raised suspicion.
“Vehicles normally slow down for checks, but they drove in recklessly. I asked them to reverse,” Musa said.
He explained that the suspects hesitated before complying, adding that their demeanour appeared “disturbing”.
Moments later, one of the teenagers allegedly threw the food flask towards him.
“I kicked it away, and it exploded shortly after,” he recounted.
Casualties and Injuries
The explosion at the gate triggered a second blast moments later, leading to significant casualties.
At least 23 people were confirmed dead, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the attack.
Musa himself suffered injuries to his hand, while another security operative and several bystanders were also wounded.
A local shop owner confirmed that the attackers appeared intent on gaining entry into the hospital complex to cause maximum destruction.
Second Explosion at Market
Later the same day, another explosion rocked the Monday Market area of Maiduguri.
Authorities believe the incident involved a separate suicide bomber using an improvised explosive device, further heightening fears over coordinated attacks in the city.
Following the attacks, President Bola Tinubu directed security chiefs to relocate to Borno State to tackle the escalating security situation.
Subsequently, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, arrived in Maiduguri on March 18 as part of intensified response efforts.
Rising Security Concerns
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of public institutions, particularly healthcare facilities, to terrorist attacks.
Security has since been tightened across key locations in Maiduguri as authorities work to prevent further incidents.
