23 Killed, Over 100 Injured as Multiple Explosions Rock Nigerian City

At least 23 people have been confirmed dead and more than 100 others injured following multiple explosions that struck Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, in a deadly incident suspected to have been carried out by suicide bombers.

The blasts occurred on Monday at key locations, including the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and two busy markets—Post Office Market and Monday Market—sending shockwaves across the city.

Police spokesperson, Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the casualty figures on Tuesday, stating that preliminary investigations indicate the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.

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

Emergency responders and explosives experts were immediately deployed to the affected areas to secure the environment and assist victims. Authorities urged residents to remain calm and avoid the blast sites while investigations and assessments continue.

The head of operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Maiduguri, Sirajo Abdullahi, also confirmed the incidents, noting that many of the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes in the aftermath. A resident, Bagoni Alkali, said many victims died instantly at the scene, while others are currently receiving treatment in overcrowded emergency wards.

“Many lost their lives immediately after the explosion. It’s disheartening,” he said.

Another volunteer responder, Mohammed Hassan, revealed that several bodies were evacuated from the market areas, adding that hospitals are in urgent need of blood to treat the injured.

“This attack’s been one of the deadliest in Maiduguri in years,” he noted.

Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attacks, describing them as barbaric and inhumane. He linked the resurgence of violence to intensified military operations in the Sambisa forest, a known stronghold of insurgent groups.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims… The act is utterly condemnable,” Zulum said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the incident comes amid renewed violence in northeastern Nigeria, where extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have continued to launch attacks in and around Maiduguri.