TUE MAR 17 2026-theGBJournal| Tragedy struck in Borno State as the Police Command confirmed that at least 23 people were killed and 108 others injured following a deadly improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Maiduguri late Monday.
The Police said the attack occurred at about 1924HRS on 16th March, 2026, at Maiduguri Monday Market, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) gate, and Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri, amplifying the scale of casualties and leaving emergency responders scrambling to evacuate victims.
”Investigations are ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring perpetrators to justice,” the Police added.
The blast, which sent shockwaves through the community, underscores the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria’s North-East region.
The injured have been rushed to nearby medical facilities, while security operatives have cordoned off the scene to prevent further harm and begin preliminary investigations.
The Borno State Police Command said a combined team of Police Tactical Units, the Military, and other Joint Security Operatives were swiftly deployed to the affected areas.
”The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats.”
According to the Borno State Command, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the affected locations to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and to evaluate ongoing response efforts.
He commiserated with victims and their families, while assuring the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Victims were promptly evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to medical facilities where they are currently receiving treatment.
Borno State Police Command said that normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, joint security operatives have heightened security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent any further occurrences.
Investigations are ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring perpetrators to justice.
The Borno State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to the nearest security agency.
The incident has once again heightened concerns over the resurgence of insurgent activities, with calls for strengthened intelligence and security measures to protect vulnerable communities.
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