Fresh details have emerged about a foiled attack at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), where three teenagers allegedly tried to smuggle explosives into the facility hidden inside a food flask.
The incident happened on March 16, when the suspects arrived at the hospital in a tricycle, posing as relatives bringing food to patients. However, their behaviour raised suspicion at the gate, and security officials stopped them from gaining entry.
According to a security officer at the scene, the teenagers attempted to bypass checks, but when they were asked to turn back, one of them threw the flask containing the explosive device. The officer reacted quickly, kicking it away before it detonated moments later.
The explosion left the officer injured and seriously wounded a colleague nearby. Another blast followed shortly after near the hospital entrance, adding to the chaos.
The attempted attack was part of a series of explosions across Maiduguri that day, which reportedly killed at least 23 people and injured over 100 others.
Witnesses said the attackers appeared young—around 13 or 14 years old—and looked unkempt, which initially drew attention. A nearby shop owner confirmed that the hospital seemed to be one of their targets.
Investigations also suggest that a separate explosion at Monday Market later that evening may have been carried out by a suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest.
The attacks have heightened security concerns across the country, prompting swift action from authorities. President Bola Tinubu has since directed top military officials to relocate to Borno State to oversee operations and stabilise the situation.
Security agencies are continuing investigations as the public grapples with the shock and rising fears over safety in the region.
