Following the bomb blasts which killed 23 and injured 108 persons in Maiduguri on Monday, President Bola Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s Service Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, Borno State, to oversee security operations and bring the situation to normalcy.

According to the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a post he shared on his X handle yesterday, the President expressed sorrow over the violence and extended support to those affected.

 “The recent news from Maiduguri, Borno State, is profoundly upsetting. I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathize with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time”, the President said.

Describing the attacks as desperate attempts to spread fear, he added, “I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instill and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres. We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be.”

President Tinubu also commended the troops for their resilience. “I must commend the courage and fighting spirit of our patriotic troops who successfully repelled the coordinated attacks by these terrorists on military positions in the state. The Monday attacks were desperate acts of the evil-minded terrorist groups. Our gallant military and civilian task forces will curtail and put them down.”

He noted that additional support had been approved for security agencies. “Just last weekend, during a security meeting with leaders of security and intelligence agencies, I approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities. This effort is already in progress.”

Highlighting decisive action, the President said, “Additionally, I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation. I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured. There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them. Nigeria will not succumb to fear.”

Twenty-three persons have been confirmed dead while 108 sustained varying degrees of injuries following bomb explosions that simultaneously rocked three locations in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday.

The affected locations included the Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri Monday Market, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The spokesman for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, who confirmed the death toll in a statement yesterday, said the investigation was still ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The statement read, “Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions that occurred at about 7:24pm on March 16, 2026, at (1) Maiduguri Monday Market, (2) University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and (3) Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers. Regrettably, 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”

Daso said that following the incidents, a combined team of police tactical units, the military, and other security operatives was swiftly deployed to the affected areas.

“The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats,” he added.

He also noted that the state Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmaji, visited the affected locations to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and 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,” he said.

He said victims were promptly evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, to medical facilities where they were receiving treatment.

 “The Borno State Police Command wishes to state that normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas. Meanwhile, security operatives have heightened their presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent any further occurrences,” he added.

“Investigations are ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring perpetrators to justice,” Daso said.

The police spokesman urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to the nearest security agency.

Earlier, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum condemned the attack.

Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel, and cowardly, targeting innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the Eid period approaches.

“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” Zulum said.

He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.”

The governor therefore assured people of the state that the military and other security agencies were on top of the situation, as adequate measures had been taken to forestall any security breach in Maiduguri and the entire state.

The Coalition of Northern Groups has also condemned the bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State, warning that Nigeria must not return to the dark era of terrorism and mass killings.

 “These attacks are not only heinous and senseless, but also represent a dangerous signal that forces of terror are once again testing the resolve of our nation,” said the National Coordinator of CNG, Jamilu Charanchi, describing the coordinated explosions as “barbaric and cowardly.”

 “Let this be stated with absolute clarity that Nigeria must never, and will never, return to the dark era of bomb blasts, fear, and mass killings. Never again!

“These despicable acts are not only an attack on innocent lives but a direct assault on our collective humanity, our national stability, and the fragile peace that the people of Maiduguri and indeed the entire North-East have worked so hard to rebuild.”

The coalition expressed condolences to the families of victims, the government and people of Borno State, and the Shehu of Borno, whose domain has been plunged into mourning. It also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blasts.

CNG called for urgent action from the Federal Government, the Borno State Government, and security agencies, urging a departure from routine responses to decisively confront the renewed threat.

Charanchi raised concerns over a resurgence of Boko Haram activities, linking it to the controversial deployment of foreign troops in the North-East.

“The CNG is deeply concerned by renewed activities linked to Boko Haram in parts of the North-East, which coincide with the controversial deployment of American troops in the area. We opposed such deployment ab initio.

“We restate our position that Nigeria has the capacity and institutional strength to tackle its security challenges without reliance on foreign troops, whose presence may complicate the situation,” he said.

He called on the government to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute sponsors and financiers of terrorism. “Those who fund and sustain terror must no longer operate with impunity; they must be tracked, prosecuted, and dealt with ruthlessly, without fear or favour, regardless of status or connections,” Charanchi said.

The coalition also urged President Bola Tinubu to cut short his ongoing trip to the United Kingdom and return to Nigeria to take direct charge of security operations, describing his presence as “imperative” at a time of renewed violence.

Charanchi concluded by stressing the need for vigilance and unity. “The people of Maiduguri have suffered enough. The North-East has paid a heavy price. Nigeria must not be dragged backwards into an era we have collectively resisted with great sacrifice. We urge residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.

“While we collectively demand accountability and decisive action from those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property, together, we must stand united against terror and defend the peace and stability of our nation”, Charanchi concluded.