Several persons were reported injured after explosions struck Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, on Monday.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, one of the explosions occurred at the Maiduguri Main Market shortly after iftar, around 7pm.
Makama said another explosion took place at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
A video seen shows several injured victims being rushed to hospital for treatment. Some were transported in a tricycle and later sat on the floor with blood stains visible on them.
In a statement shared via X on Monday night, Nahum Daso, the Borno state police spokesperson, confirmed the incident.
“Following reports of suspected explosions at Maiduguri Monday Market and the UMTH gate at about 7:20pm, joint security operatives and emergency responders have been deployed,” Daso wrote.
“Police EOD Unit, Base 13 Maiduguri, is on ground. Residents are advised to remain calm and avoid the area while assessments continue.”
Providing further updates in a separate post, he said the state police command’s EOD unit had begun clearance operations at the UMTH, Maiduguri Monday Market and the post office flyover, where the blasts occurred.
“Normalcy has been restored. Residents of Maiduguri are advised to remain calm and maintain vigilance,” he posted around 9:44pm on Monday.
Mohammed Kafaran, head of operations of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) in Borno, also confirmed the incident, stating that the agency had deployed its team to the scene.
“Yes, there was a bomb explosion at the Monday Market area around Elkanemi. We have deployed our team there to assess the situation. We will get back to you shortly,” Kafaran told PUNCH.