Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured in Maiduguri suicide bombings

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that 23 persons were k!lled and 108 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri, in what authorities described as coordinated suicide attacks.

The incidents which occurred at about 7:24 p.m., on Monday, March 16, 2026, targeted crowded and strategic locations within the metropolis, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover, Maiduguri.

According to a statement issued by the spokesperson for the command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, preliminary investigations revealed that the explosions were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

In response, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, military personnel and other joint security operatives were immediately deployed to the affected areas.

The scenes were swiftly secured and cordoned off, while the Expl0sive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted detailed sweep operations to rule out the presence of additional explosive devices.

Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, worked in coordination with medical teams to evacuate victims to hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment. 

“Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions that occurred at about 1924HRS on 16th March, 2026, at (1.) Maiduguri Monday Market, (2.) University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) gate, and (3.) Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri,” the statement read.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected su!cide b0mbers. 

“Regrettably, a total of twenty three (23) persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight (108) others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“Following the incidents, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, the Military, and other Joint Security Operatives were swiftly deployed to the affected areas. 

“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.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, visited the affected locations to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and to evaluate ongoing response efforts. 

“He commiserated with victims and their families, while assuring the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

“Victims were promptly evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to medical facilities where they are currently receiving treatment.

“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.

“Investigations are ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring perpetrators to justice.

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

“Emergency contact numbers: 08068075581, 08023473293.

“The Command appreciates the cooperation and resilience of residents and reassures all of its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the State.”