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The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that 23 people were killed and 108 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, in what authorities described as coordinated suicide attacks.
The incidents occurred at about 7:24 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, targeting crowded and strategic locations within the metropolis, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover.
According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, preliminary investigations indicate that the explosions were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
In response, a combined team of police tactical units, military personnel, and other joint security operatives was immediately deployed to the affected areas. The scenes were swiftly secured and cordoned off, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted thorough sweep operations to rule out the presence of additional devices.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), worked alongside medical teams to evacuate victims to hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment.
“Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions that occurred at about 1924hrs on March 16, 2026, at Maiduguri Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and the Post Office Flyover area, preliminary investigations revealed that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers,” the statement read.
“Regrettably, a total of 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Following the incidents, a combined team of police tactical units, the military, and other joint security operatives was swiftly deployed to the affected areas. The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Base 13 Maiduguri, to rule out any additional threats.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the affected locations to conduct an on-the-spot assessment 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.
“Victims were promptly evacuated by emergency responders, including NEMA and SEMA, to medical facilities where they are currently receiving treatment.
“The Borno State Police Command wishes to state that normalcy has been restored in the affected areas. Meanwhile, joint security operatives have heightened surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent further occurrences.
“Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The command urges members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to the nearest security agency.
“Emergency contact numbers: 08068075581, 08023473293.
“The command appreciates the cooperation and resilience of residents and reassures them of its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.”
