Borno bombings: Killings spark fury, defence chiefs move into Maiduguri

Security chiefs have relocated to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to take charge of the security situation following Monday night’s coordinated suicide bombings that killed 23 people and injured 108 others.

President Bola Tinubu, who on Tuesday ordered the immediate relocation, described the attacks as “desperate and frantic attempts” by terrorist elements under constant pressure from security forces.

Three suicide bombers detonated explosives almost simultaneously around 7:02 p.m. at the Maiduguri Monday Market, the Post Office Flyover area, and the security post at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

In a statement posted on his official X handle on Tuesday, the President mourned those who lost their lives in the attacks and commended troops for repelling coordinated assaults on military positions in the state.

The President insisted that the attacks were final desperate acts by criminals trying to instil fear as they face mounting pressure from security agencies.

“I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres,” he said.

Tinubu disclosed that he has directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation.

“I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation. I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured,” the President stated.

He revealed that during a security meeting with leaders of security and intelligence agencies last weekend, he approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities.

“Just last weekend, during a security meeting with leaders of security and intelligence agencies, I approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities. This effort is already in progress,” Tinubu disclosed.