The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that three locations were targeted by suspected suicide bombers in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Monday evening.
In a brief statement, the Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the affected locations include the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri Monday Market, and the Post Office Flyover, which are currently undergoing clearance operations.
According to him, the operations are being carried out by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit of the Borno State Police Command.
The statement read, “Ongoing clearance operations by the Borno State Police Command EOD Unit at (1) University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, (2) Maiduguri Monday Market, and (3) Post Office Flyover following three suspected suicide bomb incidents.”
“Normalcy has been restored.”
The police spokesman also called on members of the public to remain vigilant.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that an unspecified number of persons lost their lives while many others were injured following the explosions.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has condemned the attack.
Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, described the attack as despicable, cruel and cowardly, noting that it targeted innocent people during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship, as the festive period approaches.
“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” Zulum said.
He added, “The recent surge in attacks is not unconnected with intense military operations in the Sambisa Forest and other hideouts of the insurgents.”
The governor, however, assured residents that the military and other security agencies were on top of the situation, adding that adequate measures had been taken to prevent further security breaches in Maiduguri and across the state.