Residents of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, were thrown into panic on Monday evening after multiple explosions were reported in different parts of the city.
Sources said the blasts occurred between about 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., with loud explosions heard around the busy Monday Market area, Kaleri, the Post Office vicinity, and near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Witnesses said the sounds of the explosions sent shockwaves through nearby communities, prompting many residents and traders to abandon their activities and rush home for safety.
“We heard a very loud blast and people immediately started running. Many shops quickly closed as everyone tried to get to safety,” a resident in the Monday Market area said.
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The incident created fear and confusion across several neighborhoods as people struggled to determine the source and nature of the explosions.
The development comes less than 24 hours after suspected insurgents reportedly infiltrated the Kofa community on the outskirts of Maiduguri. Security forces were said to have swiftly responded and repelled the attackers, preventing further escalation.
Maiduguri has long been at the center of insurgency activities linked to groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, although security operations in recent years have significantly reduced attacks within the city.
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As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to release an official statement regarding the explosions or confirm whether there were casualties or damage.
Residents remain on edge as security agencies continue to assess the situation and gather details about the incident. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
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