The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that 23 people lost their lives while 108 others sustained injuries following a series of explosions in Maiduguri. Authorities described the incident as coordinated suicide attacks.
The blasts occurred at about 7:24 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, and targeted busy and key locations across the city, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover.
In a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Nahum Kenneth Daso, preliminary findings indicated that the explosions were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Following the attacks, a joint response team made up of police tactical units, military personnel, and other security operatives was immediately deployed to the affected areas.
The locations were quickly secured and restricted, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit carried out thorough checks to ensure no additional explosive devices were present.
Emergency agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, collaborated with 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 16th March, 2026, at (1.) Maiduguri Monday Market, (2.) University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) gate, and (3.) Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri,” the statement read.
“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.
“Following the incidents, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, the Military, and other Joint Security Operatives were swiftly deployed to the affected areas.
“The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, 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.
“Borno State Police Command wishes to state that normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas.
“Meanwhile, joint security operatives have heightened security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent any further occurrences.
“Investigations are ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring perpetrators to justice.
“The Borno State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm, 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 all of its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the State.”
