The Borno State Police Command has responded to multiple suspected suicide bombings that struck three locations in Maiduguri on March 16, 2026, raising fresh security concerns in the northeastern Nigerian city.
According to police spokesperson Nahum Kenneth Daso, the command immediately deployed its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to conduct clearance operations at the affected sites following the incidents.
In a statement posted on his X account, the spokesperson said security operatives were carrying out ongoing clearance and safety checks at three major locations: the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, the busy Maiduguri Monday Market, and the Post Office Flyover area.
The operations followed three suspected suicide bombings at these crowded public spots during the evening. Security personnel cordoned off the areas while bomb disposal experts searched for and neutralized any unexploded devices to ensure public safety.
Authorities intensified patrols and surveillance at strategic points across the city to prevent further threats and reassure residents. Emergency responders and other security agencies collaborated to manage the situation and assess the damage.
Police confirmed that at least 23 people were killed, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Despite the casualties and initial panic, the spokesperson said the situation had been brought under control following preliminary operations, with normalcy largely restored in the affected areas.
Daso urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, advising them to report any suspicious persons, movements, or objects to security agencies immediately. He emphasized that public cooperation with security forces is essential to preventing future attacks.
Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has long been at the center of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, particularly involving groups such as Boko Haram. Security agencies have strengthened counterterrorism measures in the city and surrounding areas over the years.
Investigations are ongoing, and the police reiterated their commitment—alongside other security agencies—to safeguarding lives and property while maintaining peace and stability in the state.
