Several people were feared dead and many others injured after explosions struck parts of Maiduguri on Monday evening, hours after security forces repelled coordinated attacks by suspected insurgents on military positions across the state.
The blasts occurred around Monday Market and near a security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital about 7:02 p.m., according to local sources.
Witnesses said emergency responders rushed to the scene while injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Head of Operations of the Federal Fire Service in the state, Mohammed Kafaran, confirmed that personnel had been deployed to assess the situation following the explosions.
Residents reported seeing casualties and wounded victims being evacuated to medical facilities, including the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri. One witness said he heard a loud explosion shortly after leaving the post office area.
The explosions came after suspected members of Boko Haram launched coordinated overnight attacks on military locations in Ajilari, Damboa, and Baga.
Confirming the incidents, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, said joint security teams successfully repelled the assaults.
According to him, the response involved troops from the land and air components of Operation Hadin Kai, alongside police officers, hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
Security operatives reportedly engaged the attackers after they attempted to infiltrate the Ajilari Cross and Damboa–Maiduguri road areas in the early hours of Monday, forcing them to retreat. Authorities said there were no casualties among security personnel, although insurgents were believed to have suffered losses.
Meanwhile, Babagana Zulum condemned the explosions, describing them as cruel and cowardly attacks on innocent civilians during the holy month of Ramadan. He urged residents to remain calm while assuring them that security agencies were taking steps to prevent further breaches.
Security analysts say the attacks may be retaliatory, possibly linked to recent military operations against insurgent hideouts in the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
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