The Nigerian Army has expressed serious concerns regarding the possible presence of multiple suicide bombers in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. Residents are advised to avoid crowded areas amid rising security threats.
This warning follows the tragic suicide bombings on Monday evening that resulted in 23 fatalities and injuries to 108 others, causing significant distress across the city.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, the Media Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, which is part of the North-East Joint Task Force, indicated that the coordinated attacks were aimed at crowded public spaces to maximize casualties and create widespread fear.
"The explosions occurred at approximately 7:05 p.m. on Monday, coinciding with the Iftar period," the statement revealed, adding that the assailants are suspected members of the Boko Haram group who employed improvised explosive devices in populated areas.
Labeling the incident as cowardly, Uba noted that the assailants deliberately selected peak hours to cause extensive harm to non-combatants.
He further mentioned that initial intelligence reports indicate the deployment of several suicide bombers to Maiduguri to execute coordinated attacks, raising concerns about additional threats in the city.
"Emergency response teams, including personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other medical service providers, quickly transported victims to the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for immediate medical care," he continued.
"Preliminary details suggest that the terrorists have indeed sent multiple suicide bombers into Maiduguri with plans to conduct simultaneous bombings in busy locations. Security forces have intensified their surveillance, patrols, and counter-IED operations throughout the city to apprehend any remaining suspects and thwart further attacks," Sanni clarified.
Uba assured residents that efforts are underway to restore stability to the area, while medical teams continue to provide care to the injured.
Nonetheless, he urged the public to stay alert, steer clear of crowded areas, and promptly report any suspicious behavior, unattended belongings, or unusual activities to the authorities.
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