Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the recent terrorist attacks in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, describing the assaults as desperate attempts by insurgents to spread fear among civilians.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the President conveyed condolences to families who lost loved ones, offered support to the injured, and assured the public of the federal government of Nigeria’s commitment to restoring security across the state.
“The recent news from Maiduguri, Borno State, is profoundly upsetting. I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time,” Tinubu said.
He explained that these attacks were a sign of pressure on terrorist groups from Nigerian security forces. “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,” he added.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s determination to intensify operations against insurgents. “We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be,” Tinubu said.
He also praised the courage of Nigerian security operatives for repelling coordinated assaults on military positions. “I must commend the courage and fighting spirit of our patriotic troops who successfully repelled the coordinated attacks by these terrorists on military positions in the state,” he stated.
Describing the attacks as “desperate acts of the evil-minded terrorist groups,” Tinubu noted that security forces would continue to curtail and eliminate them. He further disclosed that additional equipment and operational support had been approved during a security meeting with top intelligence and security officials to strengthen ongoing counterinsurgency operations.
“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,” he said, emphasizing that terrorists would not find safety anywhere in Nigeria. “There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them. Nigeria will not succumb to fear.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has issued warnings about the possible deployment of multiple suicide bombers in Maiduguri by suspected Boko Haram terrorists. Residents were advised to avoid crowded areas.
The attacks on Monday reportedly claimed 23 lives and injured 108 others. The North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, led by Media Information Officer Lieutenant Colonel Sanni Uba, stated that the bombings targeted crowded locations including the Post Office area, Monday Market axis, and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital to cause mass casualties and panic.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incidents, noting that investigations were ongoing. Police Public Relations Officer Assistant Superintendent of Police Nahum Kenneth Daso said, “The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance (EOD) Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats.”
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as efforts to prevent further attacks continue.
Okay News reports that security agencies are maintaining heightened vigilance across Borno State following the violent incidents.
