Army Raises Alarm As Suicide Bombers Kill 23 In Borno

...Zulum, Kwankwaso, condemn attacks

The Nigerian Army has raised the alarm following the possible deployment of multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, leading to the killing of no fewer than 23 people and injuring 108 others.

There were series of explosions at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Main Gate, the Monday Market and the Post Office Market at about 7.05 pm on Monday. The suicide bombers targeted crowded public areas during the Ramadan fast-breaking period.

The Media Information Officer of the Northeast Joint Taskforce, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, who spoke, said in a statement, that the attacks were carried out by suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers. 

Uba, further said that the explosions occurred at three major locations in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to inflict major casualties and spread panic.

His words, “The cowardly attacks targeted crowded public areas in an attempt by the terrorists to inflict mass casualties and create panic within the metropolis.

“There were dead bodies on the ground, and many persons with wounds were rushed to hospitals.

“Security forces have intensified efforts to track down any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks,” urging residents to remain vigilant, avoid crowded areas, and report suspicious movements or objects.

According to Uba, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and other security agencies, swiftly responded to the bombings by securing and cordoning off the affected areas.

He further stressed that emergency responders, including personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency, evacuated victims to the General Hospital, State Specialist Hospital, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention, noting that preliminary intelligence suggested that more suicide bombers might have been deployed into the city, prompting heightened surveillance, patrols, and counter-IED operations.

It was claimed that the bombings occurred hours after suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters launched coordinated attacks on military positions in Ajilari, Damboa, and Baga in the early hours of Monday.

It was gathered that the insurgents attempted to infiltrate the areas at about 12:35 a.m., but were repelled by a joint force comprising the military, police, Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters, and civil defence personnel.

Spokesman of the Borno State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed that the attacks were successfully foiled, with no casualties recorded among security operatives.

“In a swift and coordinated response, joint security operatives engaged the insurgents and forced them to retreat,” he said, pointing out that the terrorists suffered casualties.

Residents reported sporadic gunfire and explosions during the attempted incursions, particularly around Ajilari and near a military base in Damboa.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, has condemned the Monday bombings and attacks, 

 describing them as “despicable, cruel, and cowardly.”

In a statement by his media aide, Dauda Iliya, Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, expressed sympathy with the victims and called for increased vigilance.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” he said.

In a similar vein, the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, expressed grief over the incident, describing it as a setback to the relative peace recorded in the state in recent years.

“I am deeply saddened by the horrific multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri, which claimed the lives of 23 innocent people and injured over 100 others.

“Now is not the time for complacency. Our armed forces must be fully empowered to take proactive measures against these enemies of Nigeria,” he added.