The Nigerian Army has provided updates following multiple suicide bomb explosions that struck parts of Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday evening.
In a press release issued on Monday, the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, said the explosions occurred at about 7:05 p.m. during the period of Iftar, when Muslims break their Ramadan fast.
According to the military, suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out coordinated attacks in crowded areas of the city.
The attackers detonated improvised explosive devices at three locations within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council: the Post Office area, the Monday Market axis, and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The army said the attacks targeted busy public spaces in an apparent attempt to cause casualties and create panic across the metropolis.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and other security agencies, responded quickly to the incident and secured the affected locations to prevent further danger.
Emergency responders, including officials of the National Emergency Management Agency and other medical service providers, evacuated victims from the scenes. The injured were taken to the General Hospital, the Specialist Hospital, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Security forces have since increased patrols, surveillance, and counter-IED operations across Maiduguri as efforts continue to identify and arrest any remaining suspects.
Authorities also urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded areas where possible, and report any suspicious persons or unattended items to security agencies.
Operation HADIN KAI expressed condolences to families affected by the incident and assured residents that troops and other security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and pursuing those responsible for the attacks.
The statement reads, “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, 16 March 2026, in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC). The explosions were carried out by suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bombers who detonated improvised explosive devices at three different locations within the city, namely the Post Office area, Monday Market axis, and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) during the period of Iftar (breaking of fast). The cowardly attacks targeted crowded public areas in an attempt by the terrorists to inflict mass casualties and create panic within the metropolis.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team and other sister security agencies, responded swiftly to the incident and immediately secured and cordoned off the affected locations to prevent further harm. Emergency response teams, including personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other medical service providers, promptly evacuated casualties to the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention.
“Medical teams are currently attending to injured victims at various health facilities across the city, while emergency responders continue rescue and evacuation efforts at the affected locations.
“Preliminary information further indicates that the terrorists may have deployed multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri with the intention of carrying out coordinated suicide bombings at crowded locations. Security forces have therefore intensified surveillance, patrols, and counter-IED measures across the metropolis to track down any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded areas where possible, and promptly report any suspicious persons, unattended items, or unusual activities to the nearest security agency. Operation HADIN KAI commiserates with the families of the victims and assures the public that troops and all security agencies remain fully committed to safeguarding lives and property while relentlessly pursuing terrorist elements responsible for these heinous acts.”
