Police  Confirms 23 Killed, 108 Injured As Multiple Bomb Blasts Rock Maiduguri Market, Hospital Gate, Flyover

Maiduguri, Borno State- The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the coordinated bomb explosions that ripped through three densely populated locations, leaving at least twenty-three persons dead and over one hundred others injured in what authorities described as suspected suicide attacks.

The devastating incident occurred at about 7:24 p.m. on March 16, 2026.

The multiple explosions targeted the busy Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover area, sending panic across the city and leaving scenes of chaos, destruction, and mass casualties.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, preliminary investigations indicate that the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.

“Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions that occurred at about 1924HRS on 16th March, 2026, at Maiduguri Monday Market, UMTH gate, and Post Office Flyover area, preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers,” the statement read.

The police confirmed the human toll, stating, “Regrettably, a total of twenty three (23) persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight (108) others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”

Security agencies responded swiftly to the attacks. A combined team of Police Tactical Units, military personnel, and other joint security operatives were immediately deployed to the affected areas to prevent further damage and secure the city.

“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,” Daso added.

In the aftermath of the blasts, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the affected locations to carry out an on-the-spot assessment and evaluate ongoing emergency response efforts.

During the visit, he commiserated with victims and bereaved families, assuring residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), evacuated victims from the blast scenes to various medical facilities, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Authorities said calm has since been restored across the affected areas, even as security presence has been significantly reinforced.

“The 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.”

The police further disclosed that investigations are ongoing to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the coordinated attacks and to bring those responsible to justice.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to the nearest security agency,” Daso said.

While expressing appreciation for the resilience and cooperation of residents, the police reassured citizens of their continued commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.