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The Nigerian Army has confirmed multiple suicide bomb explosions that rocked Maiduguri, Borno State, leaving 23 people dead and 108 others injured.
The incidents occurred at about 7:24 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, and targeted the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed in a statement that the attacks were carried out by suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers.
According to the statement, preliminary findings indicate that the terrorists may have deployed multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri to carry out coordinated attacks at crowded locations.
“The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) wishes to inform the general public of suicide bomb explosions that occurred at about 7:05 p.m. on Monday, 16 March 2026, in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC),” the statement read.
“The explosions were carried out by suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bombers who detonated improvised explosive devices at three different locations within the city—namely the Post Office area, Monday Market axis, and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH)—during the period of Iftar (breaking of fast).
“The attacks targeted crowded public areas in an attempt to inflict mass casualties and create panic within the metropolis.”
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and other security agencies, responded swiftly, securing and cordoning off the affected locations to prevent further harm.
Emergency response teams, including personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other medical service providers, evacuated victims to the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent treatment.
Medical teams are currently attending to the injured, while rescue and evacuation efforts continue at the blast sites.
Security forces have since intensified surveillance, patrols, and counter-IED operations across the metropolis to track down any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded areas where possible, and report any suspicious persons or items to the nearest security agency.
Operation HADIN KAI also commiserated with the families of the victims, assuring the public of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property while pursuing those responsible for the attacks.
