President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday mourned the victims of multiple suicide bombings that struck Maiduguri on Monday and sent condolences to their families. He ordered senior security officials to deploy to the city and take charge after the attacks, which came less than 24 hours after the military said it had repelled a separate militant assault on Maiduguri’s outskirts.
Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state and widely seen as the birthplace of the Boko Haram insurgency, had enjoyed relative calm and had not suffered a major attack since 2021. But Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain active in the region; their nearly two-decade insurgency has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions across the northeast.
The blasts, the worst Maiduguri has seen in years, struck three busy sites on Monday night: the Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), and an area near the post office. At least 23 people were killed and more than 100 injured, officials said. The army blamed suspected Boko Haram militants, saying the attackers sought to cause “mass casualties and widespread panic.”
Witnesses described scenes of panic and fear. “This is unfortunate for everyone, whether you’re a Christian or a Muslim. We were really scared. We pray that God will protect us,” said Adamu Abdullahi. Newcomer businessman Mohammadu Adam, who had been in the city only three days, said he regretted coming and felt stranded.
Security analysts say the timing may have been deliberate, coinciding with festive-season activity when crowds are larger. Malik Samuel, a senior researcher at Good Governance Africa-Nigeria, told DW the blasts may have been intended to catch security forces off guard. Many residents worry the attacks signal a resurgence of extremist violence. “We thought these kinds of attacks have become history,” Abdullahi said. “But it’s becoming fresh again.”
Some citizens are skeptical that an increased military presence will restore safety. “I’m not very confident… the security forces have not been able to really establish security to a very large extent,” said Khairah, a university student. Samuel described the authorities’ posture as reactive, saying security agencies have ceded the initiative and been largely defensive.
President Tinubu framed the bombings as signs of insurgents’ desperation under pressure from military operations. He ordered intensified operations across Borno state to bolster surveillance and security.
The attacks have regional implications. Boko Haram and affiliated groups continue to operate around the Lake Chad Basin, affecting Nigeria as well as Chad, Cameroon and Niger. Samuel warned the violence is a broader national concern, especially as Nigeria approaches an election year. He also urged better coordination among government agencies and measures to cut off militant financing. The United States recently began deploying roughly 200 troops to Nigeria on a training mission to support efforts against jihadist groups.
Security expert Malam Husaini Garba Sawaba called for heightened public vigilance, advising people to watch what those close to them bring into public spaces. For many in Maiduguri, uncertainty and fear persist. “If you’re from this place, you move around while being vigilant… You also try to avoid crowds because of attacks like these,” Abdullahi said. Adam, shaken by the violence, said he prays for protection and hopes this will be the last incident.
Jamiu Abiodun Sulaiman contributed to this article
Edited by: Chrispin Mwakideu