…As Army warns of more suicide bombers
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the nation’s Service Chiefs to relocate immediately to Maiduguri, Borno state, following a wave of deadly bombings that have heightened fears of renewed insurgent attacks in the region.
The directive comes amid fresh security warnings from the Nigerian Army about the possible presence of additional suicide bombers in the city after coordinated explosions on Monday evening killed at least 23 people and injured over 100 others.
The attacks, reportedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram fighters, struck crowded public locations around 7:05 p.m. during the Iftar period, in what authorities described as a calculated attempt to inflict maximum casualties and spread panic.
Reacting to the incident ahead of his official trip to the United Kingdom, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and solidarity with victims and residents of Borno State. “The recent news from Maiduguri is profoundly upsetting. I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured, and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time”, he said.
Despite the scale of the attacks, the president described them as signs of a weakening insurgency, calling them “desperate and frantic attempts” by terrorists under sustained pressure from Nigerian security forces. “I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate moves by criminal elements trying to instil fear, as they face constant pressure from our brave armed forces”, Tinubu added.
As part of immediate response measures, the president directed Service Vhiefs to take charge of operations on the ground in Maiduguri, while also ordering emergency agencies to ensure proper medical care for the injured. He revealed that additional military equipment and operational support had recently been approved to strengthen ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, under ‘Operation Haɗin-Kai’, has raised alarm over intelligence reports suggesting that more attackers may have infiltrated the city.
In an issued statement by its spokesman, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, the Army described the bombings as “cowardly” and warned residents to remain vigilant, avoid crowded places, and report suspicious activities. Security forces have since intensified surveillance, patrols, and counter-IED operations across Maiduguri in a bid to prevent further attacks and track down those responsible.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), swiftly evacuated victims to medical facilities such as the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent treatment.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve, Tinubu declared that terrorism would ultimately be defeated. “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”, the President said.
