The Nigerian Army has issued a warning to residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, urging them to stay vigilant and avoid crowded areas following intelligence reports of potential additional suicide bombers in the city. The alert comes after Monday’s deadly bombings, which claimed 23 lives and left 108 others injured.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, Media Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, said the warning followed coordinated attacks at busy public locations during the evening rush. The explosions occurred around 7:05 p.m., coinciding with Muslims observing Iftar, when attackers detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in crowded areas to maximize casualties and spread panic.
Describing the attacks as “cowardly,” Lt. Col. Uba explained that preliminary intelligence suggests Boko Haram members may have deployed multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri to carry out coordinated strikes. “Preliminary information further indicates that the terrorists may have deployed multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri with the intention of carrying out coordinated suicide bombings at crowded locations,” he stated.
He added that security forces have intensified surveillance, patrols, and counter-IED operations across the city to locate any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks. Emergency response teams, including personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and medical officials, promptly evacuated victims to the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
The Army reassured residents that efforts to stabilize the security situation are ongoing. However, the public was urged to remain cautious, avoid large gatherings, and report any suspicious behavior, unattended items, or unusual activities to security authorities immediately.
The alert underscores the continued threat posed by Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria and reflects the military’s proactive measures to prevent further attacks while protecting civilians. Citizens are being encouraged to cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure the safety of the city.
