The security chiefs of Nigeria have swiftly relocated to Maiduguri, Borno State’s capital, to address the escalating crisis after coordinated suicide bombing claimed 23 lives and injured 108 others on Monday night. This decision followed an order given by President Bola Tinubu.
The devastating attacks, which struck around 7:02 p.m. at Maiduguri Monday Market, the Post Office Flyover, and a security post near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, have provoked widespread outrage across Nigeria.
President Tinubu condemned the blasts as desperate acts by terrorists under pressure from security forces, ordering the defence leaders’ immediate deployment while directing emergency agencies to care for the wounded.
In a statement on his X handle, Tinubu mourned the victims, praised troops for repelling related assaults on military positions, and revealed recent approvals for enhanced equipment and operational support during a security meeting. He vowed relentless pursuit of insurgents, declaring no safe haven for terrorists in Nigeria.
Borno State Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso confirmed the casualties, noting swift deployment of police, military, and explosive ordnance teams to secure sites and evacuate victims to hospitals like the General and Specialist facilities.
Commissioner Naziru Abdulmaji visited the scenes to assess damage and commiserate with families. However reports of missing persons whose relatives are filing complaints via police stations and ward heads have marred the incident.
The Nigerian Army warned of potential additional suicide bombers in Maiduguri, intensifying patrols and urging residents to shun crowds and report suspicions. These attacks, during Ramadan’s iftar rush, follow recent insurgent strikes in Gwoza and highlight Boko Haram/ISWAP’s resurgence in Borno, insurgency epicenter since 2009.
Political and civic leaders have shared their dissatisfaction towards the attack. House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas decried the violence as anti-humanity, demanding intensified operations.
Former Vice President and PDP 2023 presidential election candidate Atiku Abubakar blamed authorities for strategic lapses, criticizing Tinubu’s UK trip amid fresh graves. Also, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi linked it to national insecurity trends, urging leadership presence over travel.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and forums condemned the barbarity, emphasising support for security forces.
Senator Ali Ndume urged prioritizing security over 2027 politics, while opposition parties like PDP and ADC faulted the administration’s rhetoric-heavy approach.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu visited the state, engaging injured victims at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, while accessing the Post Office, and El-Kanemi Monday Market.
Accompanied by Commissioner Usman Nagodo, he inspected the Monday Market site, met survivors at the Government House and Police HQ, and reviewed security strategies. Disu commiserated with victims’ families, assuring residents of intensified deployments, surveillance, and operations to dismantle terrorist networks.
As Muslims’ Eid-el-Fitr draws nearer, Yobe Police heightened alerts, emphasizing vigilance in crowded areas.