Police authorities in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, have confirmed that 23 people were killed and 108 others injured following three bomb explosions in the city on Monday night, 16 March 2026.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Kenneth-Daso, disclosed the figures in a statement issued on Tuesday, noting that calm has since been restored in the state capital.
“Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions that occurred at about 1924HRS on 16th March, 2026, at (1) Maiduguri Monday Market, (2) University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) gate, and (3) Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri,” Kenneth-Daso said.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers. Regrettably, a total of twenty-three (23) persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight (108) others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
According to the police spokesman, a joint response involving tactical police units, the military, and other security agencies was immediately activated following the explosions. The affected locations were secured and subjected to clearance operations by the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to eliminate further threats.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, conducted an on-site evaluation of the affected areas, where he sympathised with victims and their families while reiterating the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the affected locations to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and to 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 the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to medical facilities where they are currently receiving treatment,” the Command’s spokesman added.
Security presence has since been reinforced across Maiduguri and surrounding areas, with heightened surveillance aimed at preventing further attacks.
The incidents mark a setback to a prolonged period of relative calm in the city, which had seen reduced violence as insurgent activities shifted to rural areas.
Recent weeks have, however, witnessed a resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in northeastern Nigeria. The insurgency, which has lasted over a decade, has resulted in more than 40,000 deaths and displaced approximately two million people.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, condemned the attacks, describing them as “barbaric,” and stated that “the recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest,” a known jihadist enclave.
Authorities say security operations remain ongoing as efforts continue to stabilise the area and prevent further incidents, while victims of the blasts receive treatment in medical facilities.
