By Bukar Shettima, Maiduguri, Borno State

Nigeria’s top security chiefs have relocated to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, following a wave of coordinated suicide bombings that left at least 23 people dead and over 100 others injured, triggering nationwide anger and renewed fears over rising insurgent attacks.

The directive for the immediate deployment came from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described the attacks as desperate attempts by terrorists under sustained pressure from security forces. The President also expressed grief over the victims while assuring Nigerians that the government remains resolute in confronting terrorism across the country.

The deadly explosions occurred on Monday evening when three suicide bombers struck almost simultaneously at crowded locations in Maiduguri, including the bustling Monday Market, the Post Office Flyover, and a security checkpoint near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The timing of the attacks, during the holy month of Ramadan, heightened their impact, as many residents were gathered in large numbers for evening activities.

Security agencies confirmed that a swift joint response involving the police, military, and other operatives helped secure the affected areas. Bomb disposal units conducted extensive sweeps to ensure no additional explosives were left behind, while emergency responders evacuated victims to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment.

President Tinubu emphasised that the attacks would not weaken the nation’s resolve, insisting that terrorist groups would find no safe haven anywhere in Nigeria. He disclosed that additional operational support and equipment had already been approved to strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

Authorities in Borno State confirmed the casualty figures, noting that many of the injured sustained severe wounds. Emergency agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency and state responders, coordinated rescue efforts and ensured victims were taken to hospitals across Maiduguri for care.

The incident has also left families in distress, with many searching for missing relatives who were believed to be at the affected locations during the explosions. Security officials said reports of missing persons were being received through local community leaders and police divisions, urging residents to come forward with relevant information.

Eyewitness accounts revealed how narrowly some residents escaped the tragedy. Two brothers, who were on their way to the market, recounted how a brief traffic delay prevented them from arriving at the scene moments before the explosion. They described the incident as both shocking and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the attacks.

Military authorities have raised concerns that more attackers may have been deployed into the city. Troops under Operation Hadin Kai, alongside other security agencies, have intensified surveillance, patrols, and counter-explosive operations to prevent further incidents and track down suspects.

The resurgence of such coordinated attacks has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and stakeholders across the country. Prominent figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, criticised the deteriorating security situation and called for urgent strategic reviews to address the threat.

Also reacting, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso warned that the latest violence signals a troubling resurgence of terrorism in the North-East, urging authorities to empower security agencies with the resources needed to respond decisively.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum condemned the attacks as cruel and inhumane, assuring residents that security agencies were taking necessary steps to prevent further breaches. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious movements.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Northern Governors’ Forum also denounced the attacks, describing them as a reckless assault on innocent lives and calling for intensified operations to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.

The latest violence comes amid renewed insurgent activities linked to groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, which have continued to target both civilian populations and military formations despite ongoing offensives by Nigerian forces.

As security chiefs take direct control of operations in Maiduguri, expectations are high for a decisive response that will not only restore calm but also prevent further attacks in a region that has endured years of insurgency and human suffering.