A series of devastating bomb explosions struck central locations in Maiduguri on Monday evening, plunging the city into panic shortly after iftar during Ramadan.

The blasts, occurring around 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. local time (WAT), targeted high-traffic areas including the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the crowded Monday Market, the Post Office/flyover area, and El-Kanemi roundabout according to resident reports and initial accounts.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incidents as suspected bomb attacks, with police spokesperson ASP Kenneth Daso stating that joint security forces, including explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units, were rapidly deployed to the scenes.

Emergency responders have cordoned off affected zones, evacuated victims, and begun restoration efforts, with normalcy reportedly returning in some areas. Authorities suspect involvement of Boko Haram or ISWAP insurgents, possibly through suicide bombings or planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Casualty figures remain unconfirmed and fluid, with various sources describing scores feared dead and many injured, including civilians caught in crowded markets and near medical facilities.

Victims have been rushed to hospitals such as UMTH and the State Specialist Hospital. Official tallies from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other agencies are awaited pending full assessments.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, currently performing the Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, issued a strong condemnation of the attacks, calling them “despicable, cruel, and cowardly” particularly for striking during the sacred month of Ramadan when people gather for prayers and breaking fast.

He urged residents to stay calm while heightening vigilance in public spaces like markets, mosques, and hospitals, and assured that security agencies are investigating to apprehend those responsible.

The coordinated nature of the blasts hitting multiple central points despite extensive checkpoints and security measures around Maiduguri has raised serious questions among residents and analysts about intelligence failures and how explosives were positioned or transported into the city.

Social media footage and eyewitness accounts show chaos, with heavy security presence and emergency vehicles at the sites. The attacks come amid ongoing insurgency threats in the northeast, following recent clashes and prior incidents in the region.

Security operations continue, and further details on casualties, the exact devices used, and perpetrator identification are expected in coming hours.

Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to authorities.

Photo: IGP Tunji Disu

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested thirty two suspected bandits during intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating in forest corridors across the state.

The police said that two of those arrested are foreign nationals from Niger Republic who are suspected to have collaborated with local bandits in cross-border criminal activities.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids carried out by operatives of the Kwara State Police Command and detectives of the Intelligence Response Team.

The police assures that the suspects will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

She explained that the operation targeted criminal hideouts in forest areas around Awi, Kaiama, Patigi, and Babanla, where the suspects were allegedly involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other violent crimes.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, during an operational visit to Kaiama, commended officers of the command and the Intelligence Response Team for what he described as a successful operation against forest-based criminal gangs.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday 6, at Eha-Amufu and Umuhu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Enugu State, arrested a suspected notorious Eastern Security Network (ESN) commander, Sabastine Odo Odam, and Ejike Daniel, a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Security sources revealed that the arrest followed months of sustained intelligence gathering on activities of the suspects.

The arrests came on the heels of series of violent attacks on police stations and killings between 2024 and 2026, all in Isi-Uzo LGA.

“Both men have confessed to being masterminds of a chain of attacks on police stations and carting away of weapons. The attacks include the February 26 killing of 11 labourers, and that of five policeman between December 24, 2025 and January 26, 2026.

“The arrests represent a major success for the DSS in the fight against insecurity in the southeast and country at large,” remarked the source.

Residents of Isi-Uzo LGA expressed excitement as news of the arrests filtered in. Many noted that the arrests will restore some peace to the affected communities.

Both suspects are currently in the custody of the DSS and awaiting arraignment in court, the source added.