The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered top security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri following deadly explosions that killed at least 23 people in the northeastern city, vowing to track down those responsible for the “acts of terror.”
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks, describing them as “desperate and frantic attempts” by criminal and terrorist elements to instil fear amid intensified military pressure.
In a statement on Tuesday, Tinubu said he had directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation and ordered emergency agencies to ensure proper care for the injured.
“The incident is profoundly upsetting,” the president said, warning that “there is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety.”
“We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them,” he added, pledging to intensify efforts against criminal elements across the country.
Tinubu also commended the “courage and fighting spirit” of Nigerian troops for repelling coordinated attacks on military positions in Borno State, noting that his administration had recently approved additional equipment and operational support to strengthen their capabilities.
Senators react
Meanwhile, the Northern Senators’ Forum said it was “shocked and saddened” by the explosions.
In a statement, the forum’s chairman, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State and assured that efforts would be intensified to restore public confidence.
“We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and comfort for the families of the victims,” he said, urging Nigerians to remain calm and support security agencies.
Casualties and response
Authorities said the blasts occurred on Monday and were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.
According to the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Kenneth-Daso, a total of 23 people were killed, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Security forces, including police tactical units, the military and other joint operatives, have since been deployed to affected areas, while emergency responders evacuated victims and rushed the injured to hospitals.
Survivors recount horror
Witnesses described scenes of panic as explosions struck crowded locations.
One survivor, Modu Bukar, said people were at a market when the first blast occurred, triggering a stampede.
“We suddenly heard a loud explosion, and everyone started running. While people were still fleeing, another blast went off near the post office,” he said.
Another survivor, Mala Mohammed, said many victims were caught in a second explosion while trying to escape.
“People ran toward the post office because it was close to the market exit. Unfortunately, the attacker ran into the crowd and detonated the device,” he said.
The incident comes as President Tinubu prepares for a state visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
