Army Raises Alarm Over Multiple Suicide Bombers in Borno

The Nigerian Army has warned of a possible influx of multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, by suspected Boko Haram terrorists, urging residents to steer clear of crowded places.

The alert follows a deadly suicide bombing on Monday evening that claimed 23 lives and left 108 others injured.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Taskforce, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, disclosed that the attacks targeted crowded public areas in a bid to inflict mass casualties and spread panic across the metropolis.

According to him, the affected locations include the Post Office area, the Monday Market axis, and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

“The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) wishes to inform the general public of suicide bomb explosions that occurred at about 7:05 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council,” the statement read.

The attacks were reportedly carried out during Iftar (breaking of fast), with suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers detonating explosives in crowded areas.

Describing the incident as “cowardly,” Uba said the coordinated attacks were aimed at causing maximum destruction and fear among residents.

Security operatives, including troops of Operation Hadin Kai, the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, and other agencies, swiftly responded by securing and cordoning off the affected areas to prevent further casualties.

Emergency response teams, including personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and medical service providers, evacuated victims to the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and UMTH for urgent treatment.

The Army further revealed that intelligence reports suggest the possible deployment of additional suicide bombers into Maiduguri, raising fears of more coordinated attacks.

Consequently, security forces have intensified surveillance, patrols, and counter-IED operations across the city to track down suspects and avert further incidents.

Medical personnel are currently attending to the injured, while rescue and evacuation operations continue at the affected sites.

Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded places, and promptly report any suspicious persons, unattended items, or unusual movements to security agencies.

Operation Hadin Kai also extended condolences to the families of the victims, assuring the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property while pursuing those responsible for the attack.

The incident is the latest in a series of terrorist attacks in Borno State. In December 2025, a suicide bombing at the Al-Adum Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, killed five people and injured 35 others.