Scores feared dead as Police confirm bomb blasts in Maiduguri

2026-03-16 - 20:17

By Ndahi Marama Borno State Police Command has confirmed multiple explosions suspected to have been masterminded by Boko Haram/ISWAP suicide bombers at various locations in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Sources said dozens of residents were feared dead and injured. The confirmation was made by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Keneth Daso, in a telephone call with our Correspondent. Daso, who was busy in the rescue team at the time of the telephone conversation, said the blasts took place at the gate of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and the popular Monday Market general area simultaneously. He said, “It was very difficult to give the actual number of casualties as the rescue mission is ongoing”, but he admitted that many people were killed and injured in the incidents. He added that as soon as the rescue operations are done, he will state details of the incident. Daso, however, said the Police EOD Unit and Base 13 Maiduguri are on the ground and assessments are ongoing. He advised residents to avoid the affected areas and remain indoors, while Emergency contact numbers have been released: 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293. Sources said four blasts took place at about 6:45 pm to 7pm around the popular Monday Market, Kaleri, Post Office and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital axis, leaving several people dead and injured. Another security source said that some of the blasts were carried out by suicide bombers, including a female, while the one at