Bomb Blasts Hit Maiduguri Market, Injure Many Amid Renewed Boko Haram Attacks

By Folarin Adeyemi Aluko

An unspecified number of people are feared dead, while several others sustained injuries following multiple bomb explosions that rocked parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Monday evening.

The explosions occurred around Monday Market and near a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital at approximately 7:02 p.m., sending shockwaves across the city and triggering panic among residents.

Casualties and Emergency Response

Eyewitnesses reported that several victims were seen lying on the ground, while many others with varying degrees of injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals, including the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri.

Emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, were quickly deployed to the affected areas to contain the situation and assist victims.

Confirming the incident, the Head of Operations of the Federal Fire Service in Borno, Mohammed Kafaran, said personnel had been sent to the scene for assessment and rescue operations.

“Yes, there was a bomb explosion at the Monday Market area… we have deployed our team there to assess the situation,” he stated.

Earlier Terror Attacks Across Borno

The bombings came just hours after suspected Boko Haram terrorists launched coordinated attacks on multiple military positions across the state in the early hours of Monday.

Security sources said the insurgents targeted military outposts in Ajilari, Damboa, and Baga at about 12:35 a.m., engaging troops in fierce confrontations.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed that the attacks were successfully repelled by joint security forces, including the military, police, Civilian Joint Task Force, and other local security groups.

Police spokesperson Nahum Daso said the attempted infiltrations were foiled through coordinated efforts under Operation Hadin Kai, involving both ground and air components.

Security Forces Repel Insurgents

According to authorities, the insurgents attempted to infiltrate key areas around Maiduguri, including the outskirts of the metropolitan council and the Damboa–Maiduguri road axis.

“In a swift and coordinated response, joint security operatives engaged the insurgents and successfully repelled the attacks, forcing them to retreat,” the police said in a statement.

While no casualties were recorded among security personnel, officials believe the attackers may have suffered losses, although exact figures remain unclear.

Rising Tensions and Recent Attacks

The incidents come amid renewed insurgent activity in northeastern Nigeria. Just two weeks earlier, terrorists reportedly attacked a military base in Ngoshe, killing civilians and abducting more than 300 residents.

A faction identified as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad later claimed responsibility, warning of further attacks targeting major cities including Maiduguri and Abuja.

Governor Zulum Reacts

Reacting to the latest explosions, Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State, condemned the attacks, describing them as “barbaric and inhumane.”

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast,” he said.

Zulum linked the recent surge in attacks to intensified military operations in the Sambisa Forest and other insurgent strongholds, noting that such offensives often trigger retaliatory actions.

He reassured residents that security agencies remain in control and urged the public to stay calm while reporting any suspicious activity.

Experts Warn of Retaliatory Attacks

Security analysts believe the coordinated attacks may be a response to recent military successes against insurgent leaders.

Counterterrorism expert Salaudeen Hashim noted that the pattern suggests a deliberate and strategic retaliation.

“These attacks appear to have been carefully planned and may also be retaliatory, possibly in response to recent military operations that eliminated some insurgent commanders,” he said.

Situation Under Control

Despite the violence, residents say calm has gradually returned to parts of Maiduguri, with security forces maintaining a strong presence across the city.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations into the bomb explosions and earlier attacks remain ongoing.