Residents of Maiduguri were thrown into panic on Monday evening after several explosions were heard across different parts of the city.
According to local sources, the blasts occurred between about 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., sending shockwaves through neighbourhoods and prompting fears of a possible security incident in the Borno State capital.
Witnesses said loud explosions were heard around key locations including the popular Monday Market, Kaleri, the Post Office area and near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Residents described the sounds as sudden and powerful, triggering widespread fear among people in the affected areas. Some individuals reportedly abandoned their businesses and rushed away from the locations in search of safety.
The explosions created tension in several parts of the city as residents attempted to verify what had happened and whether the blasts were linked to a security threat.
As of the time of reporting, security agencies had not issued any official statement clarifying the cause of the explosions.
The incident comes days after troops under Operation Hadin Kai reportedly foiled attempted attacks by insurgents in parts of Borno State.
According to the military, terrorists launched coordinated assaults in the early hours of Friday on troops stationed at Azir Bridge in Sector 2 and Banki in Sector 1 of the theatre of operations.
However, soldiers on alert repelled the attacks after engaging the insurgents in intense gunfire. The military said the attackers, who advanced in large numbers, were forced to retreat following strong resistance from troops.
Air support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai also contributed to the operation, carrying out close air support missions that weakened the insurgents’ offensive and helped secure the affected areas.
