President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday directed the immediate relocation of security chiefs to Maiduguri following deadly coordinated suicide bombings that left at least 23 people dead and 108 others injured. He described the attacks as “desperate and frantic attempts” by terrorists under mounting pressure from security forces.
The assaults occurred around 7:02 p.m. on Monday at three locations: the Maiduguri Monday Market, the Post Office Flyover area, and the security post at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. In a statement on his official X account, Tinubu mourned the victims, commended troops for repelling assaults on military positions, and assured that emergency services were providing care for the injured.
“These acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear,” Tinubu said. He added that additional equipment and operational support for security forces, approved during a recent security meeting, were already being deployed.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the casualty figures, describing the attacks as carried out by suspected suicide bombers. Police and military units swiftly secured affected areas, conducted sweeps to prevent further attacks, and evacuated victims to hospitals including the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Eyewitness accounts highlighted narrow escapes. Sanni Muhammad, 35, and his 17-year-old brother Bashir, recounted how a brief traffic delay spared them from the Monday Market bombing. “Who knows if myself and my brother would have been present at that exact scene if that had not happened? I believe we would have been there,” Sanni said.
The Nigerian Army warned of possible deployment of more suicide bombers and urged residents to avoid crowded places, remain vigilant, and report suspicious activity. Medical teams and emergency responders continue to attend to victims and manage evacuations.
The attacks sparked condemnation from political leaders and civil society groups. House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called for intensified efforts to confront insecurity, describing the violence as “against Islam and humanity.” Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the government’s response, urging a review of security strategies and expressing concern over Tinubu’s state visit to the UK while citizens were under attack.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the blasts as a reflection of worsening national insecurity, highlighting a “muted” government response and drawing attention to a broader pattern of attacks across multiple states. Former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso also urged urgent federal action, stressing the need to empower security agencies to respond decisively.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, currently in Saudi Arabia, condemned the attacks as despicable and cruel, calling for vigilance and enhanced security, particularly in places of worship during Ramadan.
Regional leaders, including the Northern States Governors’ Forum, reaffirmed solidarity with victims and pledged continued cooperation with the federal government to combat terrorism. Senator Ali Ndume called on Tinubu to prioritize the welfare and security of citizens over political calculations, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) demanded the President return to Nigeria to oversee immediate security responses.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also blamed the administration for the worsening insecurity, arguing that political distractions had allowed terrorism to thrive. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) urged thorough investigations and better protection for students and citizens in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, the Yobe State Police Command issued heightened security alerts ahead of Eid-el-Fitr, calling on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, while warning against reckless behaviour and possession of dangerous items.
The attacks underscore the continued threat posed by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents in the North-East, particularly during Ramadan, with officials warning of ongoing risks in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
