Multiple bomb blasts struck Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s Borno state, on Monday night, killing several people and injuring more than 200, with initial investigations indicating the possible involvement of a suicide bomber.
Emergency services transported the injured to nearby hospitals, while security agencies reached the scene and initiated response operations. No organisation has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
According to local authorities, loud explosions were heard at multiple locations across the city on Monday night. Eyewitnesses reported that the blasts caused panic in surrounding areas, prompting residents to flee to safer locations.
Security agencies, including police and military teams, cordoned off the affected areas and launched search operations to determine those responsible and assess any further threats.
Sirajo Abdullahi, operations head of the National Emergency Management Agency, said the explosions occurred at three major locations: the entrance of Maiduguri University Teaching Hospital and two busy local markets identified as Post Office Market and Monday Market.
Both markets are among the busiest locations in the area, with continued movement of people even at night, contributing to the high number of casualties.
Abdullahi said many injured individuals were taken to hospitals and are undergoing treatment. He added that the exact number of casualties remains unclear as rescue operations are ongoing.
Eyewitness Bagoni Alkali said he assisted in transporting several injured individuals to hospitals. According to him, more than 200 people were injured and are receiving treatment at different medical facilities.
He reported that the situation immediately after the blasts was severe, with many people lying injured on the ground while others attempted to assist them. Some victims died at the scene.
Local volunteer groups also participated in relief efforts. Mohammed Hassan, associated with a volunteer organisation, said his team recovered multiple bodies from Post Office Market and Monday Market.
According to Hassan, at least 10 bodies were retrieved from the sites, and several injured individuals were transported to hospitals. He said people were searching for family members while others tried to assist the injured.
No organisation has claimed responsibility for the explosions. Security agencies are investigating all possible angles.
Maiduguri and the wider Borno state region have faced prolonged security challenges, including activities linked to Boko Haram. Authorities said the perpetrators of the current attack will be identified following the investigation.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum condemned the blasts, stating that targeting civilians is unacceptable. He directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and instructed security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
The Nigerian military had earlier stated that a suspected Islamist militant attack on the outskirts of Maiduguri was foiled early Monday.
According to the military, security forces responded in time and forced the attackers to retreat. The subsequent explosions in the city hours later have raised further concerns.
