The Borno State Police Command has stated that twenty-three persons have been confirmed dead while 108 sustained varying degrees of injuries following bomb explosions that simultaneously rocked three locations in Maiduguri on Monday.
Chronicle NG had earlier reported that the locations included the Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri Monday Market, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The spokesman for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, who confirmed the death toll in a statement on Tuesday, said the investigation was still ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The statement read, “Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions that occurred at about 7:24pm on March 16, 2026, at (1) Maiduguri Monday Market, (2) University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and (3) Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers. Regrettably, 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
Daso stated that following the incidents, a combined team of police tactical units, the military, and other security operatives was 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,” he added.
He also stated that the state commissioner of police, Naziru Abdulmaji, visited the affected locations to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and evaluate ongoing response efforts.
“He commiserated with victims and their families, while assuring the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” he said.
He mentioned that victims were promptly evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, to medical facilities where they were receiving treatment.
“The Borno State Police Command wishes to state that normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas. Meanwhile, security operatives have heightened their presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent any further occurrences,” he added.
“Investigations are ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring perpetrators to justice,” Daso said.
The police spokesman advised the public to be calm and attentive and to immediately report any suspicious movements or objects to the nearest security agency.
Earlier, Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum had strongly condemned the explosions that happened in several parts of the city on Monday evening.
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Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, called the incident nasty, harsh, and cowardly, targeting innocent people during the holy month of Ramadan.
Dauda Iliya, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, issued a statement calling for more vigilance and security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the Christmas season approaches.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and the injured. ” The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” said Zulum.
He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected to intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.
The governor, therefore, assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies are on top of the situation, as adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.
Chronicle NG reports that bomb explosions near Monday Market in Maiduguri, Borno State, and a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital resulted in the deaths of an unspecified number of people.
Our correspondent reported that the explosions went off at 7:02 p.m. on Monday.
Mohammed Kafaran, Head of Operations for the Federal Fire Service in Borno State, confirmed the occurrence to our correspondent and stated that the agency has sent a team to the scene.
He said, “Yes, there was a bomb explosion at the Monday Market area around Elkanemi. We have deployed our team there to assess the situation. We will get back to you shortly.”
Eyewitnesses revealed that many of the injured victims had been evacuated to hospitals for treatment.
“There were dead bodies on the ground, and many persons with wounds have been rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri,” one witness said.
Another resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, recounted the moment the explosion occurred.
“I had just left the post office and was on my way when I heard a loud sound,” the resident said.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the attack started less than 30 minutes after the suspected Boko Haram ISWAP terrorists attacked Ajilari Cross.
