Maiduguri Bombings Signal Boko Haram Resurgence and Growing Threat to Civilians

(Abuja) – Deadly bombings in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, have heightened concerns about the resurgence of violent attacks by Boko Haram and a growing risk to civilians in the region, Human Rights Watch said today. In the aftermath of this apparent war crime, Nigerian authorities should urgently strengthen protection for civilians in the region.

The Attacks and Their Impact

The attacks, which occurred on the evening of March 16, 2026, targeted crowded public locations, including a market, an area near a post office, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate. According to police authorities, the bombings resulted in 23 deaths and injured 108 people. These attacks appear to have been indiscriminate, potentially constituting a war crime under international law.

Human Rights Watch spoke with five witnesses to the bombings, gathering firsthand accounts of the events. While no armed group has officially claimed responsibility, the Nigerian military has attributed the attacks to suspected Boko Haram fighters, describing them as coordinated attempts to cause mass casualties and spread panic. Nigerian military described the attacks as coordinated attempts by suspected Boko Haram fighters to cause mass casualties and spread panic.

Boko Haram’s Resurgence

Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), commonly known as Boko Haram, was significantly weakened following the death of its longtime leader, Abubakar Shekau, in 2021 during clashes with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a rival faction. But, analysts indicate that JAS appears to be making a comeback, as evidenced by several recent attacks in the region.

In December 2025, a mosque in Maiduguri was bombed, killing five people, ending years of relative calm. While violence linked to Boko Haram has decreased from its peak, continued attacks across the region suggest the insurgency remains a persistent threat. The Maiduguri bombings have therefore raised renewed concerns about security.

The Situation in Borno State and Maiduguri

Borno State is widely considered the epicenter of the insurgency, and Maiduguri serves as the main operational hub for security responses. The city is also a key humanitarian center, hosting agencies that provide support to populations affected by the crisis.

International Criminal Court Investigation

In 2020, Fatou Bensouda, the then-International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, asserted that her office had found a reasonable basis to believe that Boko Haram and its splinter groups, as well as Nigerian security forces, had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict. She noted that “the vast majority of criminality within the situation [was] attributable to nonstate actors.” Prosecutor Bensouda decided not to proceed with a request to open a formal investigation at the time, citing limited resources, and the situation remains in the preliminary examination stage.

Witness Accounts

Ibrahim Talba, a 35-year-old tailor, recounted witnessing an argument between two young men in a commercial tricycle and a security guard near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate. After a brief exchange, one of the men threw a food flask at the guard, which exploded when thrown back. A second explosion followed, injuring Talba, who sustained shrapnel wounds.

Fatima Sheriff, a 25-year-old food vendor, described being knocked unconscious by an explosion while delivering food to hospital staff. She later awoke in the hospital and learned that a young girl had died from injuries sustained in the blast.

Mustafa Muhammed, a 45-year-old cap seller, suffered shrapnel injuries from a blast near the Monday Market. He described hearing a loud explosion and then finding himself covered in blood.

Babagana Abubakar, a 39-year-old fruit seller near the post office, reported that an explosion “scattered everything” while he was serving a customer. He later recognized a customer who had purchased bananas from him minutes before the blast among the dead.

A 53-year-old civil servant recounted hearing a loud explosion and seeing a bright red light while driving toward the Monday Market. He abandoned his car and ran for safety.

Call for Increased Civilian Protection

Human Rights Watch has urged Nigerian authorities to urgently strengthen protection for civilians in high-risk areas, improve early warning and response measures, and provide support to victims and those who have lost their livelihoods.

“The bombings in Maiduguri lay bare the extreme and ongoing danger civilians in northeastern Nigeria face from armed groups,” said Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Nigerian authorities necessitate to urgently step up efforts to protect civilians, ensure swift and transparent investigations, and hold those responsible to account.”