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JUST IN: Nigerian army raises alarm, says ‘there are multiple suicide bombers in Borno’
The alert follows Monday evening’s deadly suicide attacks which claimed 23 lives and left 108 others injured, sending shockwaves across the metropolis.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer, Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sanni Uba, said the attacks targeted crowded public areas in an attempt by the terrorists to inflict mass casualties and create panic within the metropolis.
He said three locations, including the Post Office area, Monday Market axis, and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), were affected
The statement reads, “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 explosions, according to the statement, were carried out by suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bombers who detonated the explosive during the period of Iftar (breaking of fast).
“The cowardly attacks targeted crowded public areas in an attempt by the terrorists to inflict mass casualties and create panic within the metropolis” he said.
The statement added that troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team and other sister security agencies, responded swiftly to the incident and immediately secured and cordoned off the affected locations to prevent further harm.
Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other medical service providers, promptly evacuated casualties to the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention. “
“Preliminary information further indicates that the terrorists may have deployed multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri with the intention of carrying out coordinated suicide bombings at crowded locations. Security forces have therefore intensified surveillance, patrols, and counter-IED measures across the metropolis to track down any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks,” Sanni assured.
He further noted that medical teams are currently attending to injured victims at various health facilities across the city, while emergency responders continue rescue and evacuation efforts at the affected locations.
The spokesperson urged members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, “avoid crowded areas where possible and promptly report any suspicious persons, unattended items or unusual activities to the nearest security agency”
” Operation HADIN KAI commiserates with the families of the victims and assures the public that troops and all security agencies remain fully committed to safeguarding lives and property while relentlessly pursuing terrorist elements responsible for these heinous acts,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has strongly condemned the deadly explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening, describing the attacks as heinous, barbaric and a direct assault on innocent lives.
Also, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) has commiserated with the families of those killed and wished the injured ones a quick recovery, even as he condemned the heinous act.
In a press statement signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs) of Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, on Tuesday morning on behalf of his boss, the Gombe State Governor, said the explosions, which reportedly occurred almost simultaneously at the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Monday Market Roundabout and the Post Office area, have left many feared dead and several others injured.
He said, ‘Governor Yahaya, in his capacity as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, extending his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Borno State, particularly families who lost their loved ones.’
“This senseless act of violence is not only reprehensible but also a cruel attempt to instil fear and disrupt the fragile peace being restored in the North-East. It is an attack on our collective humanity and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” the governor stated.
The NSGF Chairman also sympathised with victims receiving treatment in various hospitals and prayed for their quick recovery, while commending first responders and security agencies for their swift intervention in managing the aftermath of the blasts.
He restated the commitment of the Northern Governors to continue working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to confront and defeat all forms of terrorism and criminality threatening the peace and stability of the region.
He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while cooperating fully with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.
“Now, more than ever, we must stand united against forces of terror. Our resolve to secure our region remains unshaken, and together, we shall overcome these cowardly acts,” he added.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident and called for intensified efforts to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
Likewise, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has strongly condemned the tragic bomb explosion reportedly carried out by Boko Haram elements in Maiduguri, which has claimed several lives and left many others injured.
The Senator described the attack as barbaric, inhumane, and a direct assault on innocent citizens, particularly in a densely populated area such as Monday Market and UMTH.
Ndume, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and reiterated his commitment to advocating for improved security measures across Borno State and the nation at large. He noted that the recurring threats to civilian lives must be confronted with renewed urgency and coordinated action.
In his message of condolence, the lawmaker sympathised with the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum; the bereaved families; those injured in the attack; as well as the management of Monday Market and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), where victims are receiving treatment.
“I cannot begin to imagine the pain and burden on our governor at this moment. This is a deeply heartbreaking situation for him and for all of us. May Allah grant us comfort, strength, and healing,” the Senator stated
He further commended the bravery and swift response of security agencies, urging them to intensify efforts in protecting lives and preventing future occurrences.
Senator Ndume also called on citizens to remain vigilant, especially as the Eid celebrations approach, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
“I urge all residents, not only in Maiduguri but across Borno State, particularly in Borno South, to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. We must not let our guard down at this critical time,” he added.
He concluded by praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased, speedy recovery for the injured, and lasting peace in Borno State and Nigeria as a whole.
The incident marks the latest among a series of attacks perpetrated by terrorists in the state
In December 2025, suicide bombers detonated a bomb at Al-adum mosque in Gamboru market, Maiduguri, killing five people and injuring 35 others.
