Bombings in Maiduguri, Nigeria Kill Dozens
Maiduguri, Nigeria – Multiple explosions rocked Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state in northeastern Nigeria, on Monday night, March 16, 2026, resulting in at least 23 deaths and over 100 injuries, according to reports from Nigerian authorities and eyewitnesses. The blasts, suspected to be suicide bombings, targeted a teaching hospital and two local markets – the Post Office and Monday Markets.
Details of the Attacks
The explosions occurred at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the two markets, areas typically bustling with activity. Sirajo Abdullahi, head of operations at Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Maiduguri, confirmed casualties and ongoing efforts to manage the injured at the hospital. He stated that a full casualty count was pending. Source: AP News
Eyewitness Bagoni Alkali reported bringing wounded individuals to the hospital for treatment, noting that over 200 people had sustained injuries and were receiving care. He also indicated that many people died immediately after the explosions. Mohammed Hassan, a volunteer assisting security forces, evacuated 10 bodies from the Post Office and Monday Markets, and reported that many victims were rushed to the emergency ward, with some dying at the hospital. Source: AP News
Boko Haram Suspected
While no group has officially claimed responsibility, the attacks are suspected to be the work of Boko Haram, a homegrown jihadi extremist group that has waged an insurgency in Nigeria for over a decade. Source: The Modern York Times The Nigerian military had earlier reported repelling attacks by suspected Islamic militants on the outskirts of Maiduguri on Monday. Source: AP News
Recent Attacks in Borno State
Borno state has experienced a series of attacks in recent years. A timeline of major incidents includes:
- Feb. 23, 2021: Rocket-propelled grenades fired into densely populated areas of Maiduguri, including a university and a children’s playground, killing at least 10 people.
- June 29, 2024: Coordinated attacks targeting a wedding, a funeral, and a hospital in Gwoza killed at least 32 people and injured over 100.
- Jan. 26, 2025: A suicide bomber killed scores of soldiers in Malam-Fatori.
- June 20, 2025: A suicide bomber killed at least 10 people in a restaurant in Konduga.
- Sept. 5, 2025: Boko Haram killed over 60 people in an attack on Darul Jamal.
- Dec. 24, 2025: A bomb exploded during prayers at a mosque in Maiduguri, killing five people.
- Jan. 26, 2026: Suspected Boko Haram militants killed seven soldiers and captured 13 others in Damasak.
- March 16, 2026: Multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri targeted a hospital and two markets, killing at least 23 people and injuring over 100.
Government Response
Borno Governor Babagana Umara Zulum condemned the explosions, expressing his condolences to the victims and their families. He urged residents to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to security agencies. Source: AP News
Nigeria has been battling a complex security crisis from various armed groups, particularly in the northern part of the country. Attacks in Maiduguri have been relatively rare in recent years following military operations. Source: AP News
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