Panic Erupts As Explosions Shake Maiduguri

According to Ireporter Online, the blasts were heard between about 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., with loud explosions reportedly occurring in multiple locations and raising concerns about a possible security breach.

Sources within the city disclosed that the sounds of the blasts were heard around major areas, including the popular Monday Market, Kaleri, the Post Office area, and locations near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Witnesses described the explosions as sudden and powerful, leaving many residents frightened.

The unexpected blasts reportedly caused confusion in several neighbourhoods as people quickly abandoned their activities and rushed to safer locations. Some residents were said to have fled the affected areas amid fears over the cause of the explosions.

The development created tension in parts of Maiduguri as residents attempted to verify what had happened and whether there was any immediate threat.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not issued any official statement regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, military authorities recently disclosed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled attempted terrorist attacks on Azir Bridge and the town of Banki in Borno State. According to a statement released by the Joint Task Force in the North-East, the attacks occurred in the early hours of Friday when insurgents reportedly advanced in large numbers towards troops’ positions in the two locations.

The statement, issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Lt. Col. Sani Uba, indicated that the insurgents launched coordinated assaults on troops stationed at Azir Bridge in Sector 2 and Banki in Sector 1 of the theatre of operations.

However, the attackers reportedly encountered strong resistance from soldiers who were on high alert. Military authorities said the troops responded swiftly with coordinated counter-attacks that disrupted the insurgents’ formation and forced them to retreat.

The military further disclosed that air support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai played a critical role in the operation, as close air support missions significantly weakened the insurgents’ offensive and helped repel the attempted attacks.