President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s top security chiefs to relocate to Borno State following a series of deadly explosions in Maiduguri that claimed several lives and left many others injured.
The directive came shortly after coordinated attacks shook the state capital, sparking fear among residents.
The explosions occurred on Monday evening at multiple locations across the city. Areas affected include the busy Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover.
The timing of the attacks, which coincided with the Ramadan iftar period, worsened the impact as many people were out in large numbers.
Authorities have confirmed that no fewer than 23 people lost their lives, while over 100 others sustained injuries of varying severity. Victims were quickly moved to nearby hospitals as emergency responders battled to manage the situation.
In a statement issued from the State House on Tuesday, the president described the incident as “profoundly upsetting,” expressing grief over the loss of lives and extending sympathy to victims and their families.
“I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time,” Tinubu said.
The president also assured Nigerians that the attacks would not weaken ongoing security operations. He suggested that the bombings were carried out by insurgents attempting to create panic amid sustained military pressure.
“I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil fear, as they are under constant pressure from our armed forces,” he stated.
As part of immediate measures, Tinubu directed security chiefs to take charge of operations in Maiduguri. He also instructed relevant agencies to ensure that victims receive adequate medical attention.
“I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation,” he said.
The president further disclosed that additional military equipment and operational support had recently been approved to strengthen the fight against insurgency.
Security operatives, including the military, police, and bomb disposal units, were deployed to the affected areas shortly after the blasts. The locations were cordoned off, while sweep operations were carried out to prevent further attacks.
Emergency agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, responded swiftly by evacuating victims and coordinating rescue efforts.
While normalcy is gradually returning to the city, the incident has again raised concerns about the lingering threat of insurgency in the North-East region. Residents remain cautious as security presence has been heightened across Maiduguri.
Despite the development, Tinubu expressed confidence in the capacity of Nigerian forces to contain the situation.
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