The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that 23 yet to be identified personswere killed and 146 injured at twin bomb explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Monday.
The spokesman of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed in a statement that suspected suicide bombers allegedly carried out the suicide attacks at 7:24 p.m in two locations in the city.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations indicated that the explosions were carried out using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by suspected suicide bombe
Daso said that the incidents were carried out at the Maiduguri Central Market, popularly known as Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital’s gate, and the Post Office Flyover area of the town.
According to him, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, military personnel, and other joint security operatives was swiftly deployed to the affected areas.
The spokesperson said that the scenes were immediately secured and cordoned off, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted thorough sweep operations to ensure no additional threats remained.
he Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Naziru Abdulmajid, visited the scenes for an on-the-spot assessment and commiserated with victims and their families.
Daso, however, assured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The spokesperson said that victims were evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, to medical facilities for treatment.
Daso said normalcy had been restored in the affected areas, while security had been heightened across the metropolis to forestall further incidents.
The spokesperson urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
Daso reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.