MAIDUGURI — The Nigerian Army has stepped up security and surveillance across Maiduguri following multiple suicide bombings that struck the city on Monday evening.
The Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), said in a statement by its Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, that efforts are ongoing to track down suspects and prevent further attacks.
The explosions occurred around 7:05 p.m. on March 16, 2026, at three separate locations: the Post Office area, Monday Market, and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). The bombings, carried out during the Iftar period when many residents were gathered, were described as coordinated attacks intended to inflict mass casualties and spread panic.
“Preliminary information indicates that the terrorists may have deployed multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri with the intention of carrying out coordinated attacks at crowded locations,” the Army said.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and other security agencies, responded quickly to secure and cordon off the affected areas. Emergency responders, including personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and medical teams, evacuated victims to the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and UMTH for urgent treatment.
The Army confirmed that medical teams are attending to the injured at various health facilities, while rescue and evacuation operations continue. Security forces have intensified patrols, surveillance, and counter-IED measures across the metropolis to prevent further incidents.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded areas where possible, and report any suspicious movements, objects, or activities to security agencies.
Operation HADIN KAI also extended condolences to the families of the victims and reassured the public of its commitment, alongside other security agencies, to safeguarding lives and property while pursuing those responsible for the attacks.
