Several people are feared dead and many others injured after bomb explosions rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening.
The blasts hit the busy Monday Market area and a location near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital at about 7:02 pm, according to emergency officials.
Eyewitnesses said the explosions caused panic, with casualties reported at the scene.
“There were bodies on the ground, and many injured people were taken to hospital,” one resident said.
The Federal Fire Service confirmed the incident and said its teams had been deployed to assess the situation.
The attack came hours after suspected Boko Haram fighters launched coordinated assaults on military positions across Borno State.
Security sources said the attackers targeted locations in Ajilari, Damboa and Baga in the early hours of Monday.
The Nigeria Police Force said joint forces, including troops under Operation Hadin Kai, repelled the attacks.
Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso said the militants attempted to infiltrate key areas but were pushed back after a coordinated response.
“In a swift operation, security forces engaged the insurgents and forced them to retreat,” he said.
No casualties were reported among security personnel, though officials believe the attackers suffered losses.
Residents in affected areas reported gunfire and explosions during the overnight attacks, which heightened tension across the state.
Authorities said calm has since returned, but security remains tight.
Babagana Zulum condemned the explosions, describing them as “cruel and inhumane”.
In a statement, he urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Security analysts say the attacks may be a response to recent military operations against insurgents in the Sambisa forest.
They warn that the coordinated nature of the incidents shows that militant groups still retain the ability to carry out large-scale attacks.
The latest violence comes weeks after a deadly raid in Ngoshe, where insurgents killed civilians and abducted hundreds.
Officials say investigations and rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work to contain the situation.
