Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, had pledged to step up security operations following a wave of deadly attacks in the northeastern city of Maiduguri.
In a message posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Tinubu expressed condolences to victims and their families, saying: “ I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno”.
He said the government would intensify efforts to dismantle armed groups across the country and praised troops for repelling coordinated assaults on military positions in the capital of Borno State.
The president added that additional military equipment and operational support had been approved, and ordered top security officials to relocate to Maiduguri to oversee the response. Emergency agencies have also been mobilized to assist victims.
The attack, which occurred on Monday evening, targeted busy areasincluding thee market, a post office vicinity, and the entrance of a teaching hospital, according to officials.
The Nigerian military warned that the suspected militants linked to Boko Haram may have deployed suicide bombers into the city, urging residents to avoid crowded places and remain vigilant.
Police confirmed that bomb disposal units had secured the affected sites and carried out sweep operations to prevent further threats, while investigations into the incident continue.
Officials say efforts are ongoing to prevent additional attacks in the region, which has been at the center of a long-running insurgency.
