Maiduguri Blasts: Troops on high alert

By Hamza Suleiman

The Nigerian Army has intensified security operations in Maiduguri, Borno State, following multiple suicide bomb attacks on the metropolis.

The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement by its Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba.

According to the statement, the explosions occurred at about 7:05 p.m. on Monday and were carried out by suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The affected locations include the Post Office area, Maiduguri, the Maiduguri Monday Market, and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The Army said the attacks, which occurred during the period of Iftar, were aimed at causing mass casualties and panic among residents.

It stated that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and other security agencies, responded swiftly to the incidents by securing and cordoning off the affected areas.

Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other medical teams, evacuated victims to hospitals, where they are receiving treatment.

The statement added that medical personnel were attending to the injured, while rescue operations continued at the affected locations.

The Army further revealed that preliminary information suggested that multiple suicide bombers might have been deployed into the city to carry out coordinated attacks on crowded areas.

It said security forces had since intensified surveillance, patrols and counter-IED measures across the metropolis to track down any remaining suspects and prevent further attacks.

The Army urged residents of the state to remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded places where possible and promptly report any suspicious movement or objects to security agencies.

It also commiserated with the families of victims and reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while pursuing those responsible for the attacks. (NAN)