.jpg)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s Service Chiefs to immediately relocate to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, to assume direct command of security operations and restore stability in the region following a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of at least 23 people and injured over 100 others.
The attacks, which occurred on the evening of Monday, March 16, 2026, involved multiple suicide bombings targeting key public locations in Maiduguri, including the popular El-Kanemi Monday Market, the Post Office area, and the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). The incidents took place as residents were breaking their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a strongly worded statement, President Tinubu described the attacks as “profoundly upsetting” and expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims, the injured, and the people of Borno State. He assured Nigerians that the government remains resolute in its commitment to defeating terrorism and all forms of criminality.
“These acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instill and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres,” President Tinubu stated.
The President commended the Nigerian troops and other security operatives for successfully repelling earlier coordinated assaults on military positions in the state. He noted that, following a recent security meeting, he has already approved the provision of additional equipment and enhanced operational support to the armed forces and intelligence agencies.
“This effort is already in progress. Additionally, I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation,” he added. Emergency response agencies have also been instructed to ensure prompt and adequate medical care for all those injured in the attacks.
President Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria will not succumb to fear or allow terrorists to derail the nation’s progress. He vowed that security forces will intensify operations to hunt down and decisively defeat the perpetrators, describing the attacks as signs of a weakening enemy facing sustained military pressure.
The directive comes amid heightened security concerns in the North-East, with the military warning residents of Maiduguri to remain vigilant and avoid crowded areas due to the increased threat of further suicide attacks.
The Presidency called on all Nigerians, particularly residents of Borno State, to cooperate fully with security agencies and report any suspicious activities to help restore peace and normalcy to the region.