23 dead, 108 injured in Maiduguri bomb blasts — Police

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed 23 persons dead and 108 injured at from the multiple explosions that occurred on Monday in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The police said on Tuesday that suspected suicide bombers allegedly carried out the suicide attacks at 7:24pm on Monday.

Nahum Daso, an Assistant Superintendent of Police and the command’s spokesperson, said in a statement that preliminary investigations indicated that the explosions were carried out using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by suspected suicide bombers.

Daso said that the incidents were carried out at the Maiduguri Central Market, popularly known as Monday Market, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and Post Office Flyover area of the town.

According to him, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, military personnel, and other joint security operatives was swiftly deployed to the affected areas.

The spokesperson said that the scenes were immediately secured and cordoned off, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted thorough sweep operations to ensure no additional threats remained.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the scenes for an on-the-spot assessment and commiserated with victims and their families.

Daso assured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

The spokesperson said that victims were evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and Borno State Emergency Management Agency, to medical facilities for treatment.

He said normalcy had been restored in the affected areas, while security had been heightened across the metropolis to forestall further incidents.

The Police Public Relations Officer urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.

Daso reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.