Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has revealed that two suspected suicide bombers are still at large in Maiduguri, the state capital, after multiple explosions rocked the city earlier this week
Speaking on Friday in an interview with BBC Pidgin, Zulum said intelligence reports indicate that five bombers infiltrated the city.
He said that three of them already detonated their Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), while the whereabouts of the remaining two are unknown.
“As I mentioned earlier, the intelligence we have received so far indicates that five suicide bombers infiltrated Maiduguri. So far, three have detonated their IEDs, while the whereabouts of the remaining two are still being investigated,” the governor said.
TheCable had reported that three bomb blasts occurred across Maiduguri, leaving over 100 residents injured, with 23 fatalities.
The coordinated nature of the attacks has raised concerns about renewed infiltration by insurgents into the city, particularly during festive periods.
Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, had said that some of the explosive devices were transported with tricycles to evade security checks.
Zulum said security agencies are actively tracking the two remaining suspects and have intensified surveillance across the city.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid crowded areas, especially during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
“We are on top of the situation, and we will find the two who are yet to detonate their devices,” he said.
“It is important to share this information so that people can be mindful of their movements… Government has the responsibility to inform the public so that people can avoid places of gathering.”
Zulum attributed the infiltration to ongoing military operations in the Sambisa Forest and along the shores of Lake Chad, adding that insurgents often disperse into civilian areas to evade attacks.
He said the growing population of Maiduguri — now estimated at between three and four million — makes it difficult for security operatives to effectively screen all residents.
Despite the attacks, the governor said the state has made significant progress in tackling insurgency compared to previous years.
“Whenever there are ongoing military operations, insurgents tend to move out to defend themselves and divert attention,” he said.
Zulum assured residents that additional security measures have been put in place to prevent further attacks.
“Anyone familiar with Borno will attest that peace has gradually returned, and this madness will not be allowed to continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu had directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri in response to the attacks, while the African Union has called for increased global support for Nigeria.
