No fewer than 23 people have been confirmed dead, while 108 others sustained injuries following a series of suspected suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri.
The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Borno State, Nahum Daso Kenneth, disclosed that calm has been restored across the city, although security has been significantly reinforced.
The coordinated explosions, which occurred on Monday, targeted three busy locations — the Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover area.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers, suggesting a resurgence of urban terror tactics linked to Boko Haram and its splinter factions.
Security agencies said a joint team comprising police tactical units, the military, and other operatives was swiftly deployed to the affected areas. The locations were cordoned off, while the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit conducted sweep operations to prevent further threats.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the scenes for an on-the-spot assessment, commiserating with victims and assuring residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, evacuated the injured to hospitals where they are receiving treatment.
Authorities said normal activities have resumed in the city, with heightened surveillance and security presence to forestall further attacks.
Maiduguri has long been the epicentre of insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, with attacks previously carried out by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. Although military operations have weakened insurgent capabilities in recent years, sporadic attacks on civilian targets continue to pose security challenges.
Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
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