Deadly blasts at market and hospital raise fears of renewed Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria

Suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Nigeria, killed at least 23 people and injured over 100 others on Monday night. The attacks occurred in crowded areas, including a major market and the entrance to a teaching hospital. While no group has claimed responsibility, suspicion has fallen on Boko Haram, a jihadi group that has been waging an insurgency in northeastern Nigeria since 2009. President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks and instructed security chiefs to address the situation. The bombings raise concerns about a resurgence of Boko Haram violence in the region.

On Monday evening, multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, killed at least 23 people and wounded over 100. The three blasts followed an attack on a military post the previous night, with authorities suspecting jihadist involvement in both incidents. These attacks have shattered a period of relative calm in the city, which had become a safe haven amidst Nigeria's ongoing insurgency. Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have increased attacks in the region recently as part of their 16-year campaign to establish a caliphate, which has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and the displacement of approximately 2 million people.

On March 17, 2026, a series of bomb blasts killed scores of people in northern Nigeria. The attacks occurred in Borno state, specifically targeting two local markets and a university. Authorities suspect the bombings were carried out by suicide bombers. The blasts took place in Maiduguri, a city in northeastern Nigeria. The article does not state who is responsible for the attacks or their motivations.

At least 23 people were killed and 108 injured in a series of suspected suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Nigeria on Monday evening. The attacks occurred around 19:30 local time, targeting a post office, a market, and a teaching hospital, all busy locations after the Ramadan fast. Police suspect suicide bombers were responsible, and an investigation is underway. The bombings represent one of the deadliest attacks Maiduguri has witnessed in years, shaking residents who believed the worst of Boko Haram's insurgency was over. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks and vowed to defeat the perpetrators. The attacks occurred hours after security forces repelled an attack on a military post outside the city.

Police in Nigeria suspect suicide bombers were responsible for attacks in Maiduguri on Monday night, March 16, 2026, which resulted in the deaths of at least 23 people and injuries to over 100 others. The bombings occurred in crowded areas, including a major market and near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The Borno police spokesperson confirmed the casualties and attributed the attacks to suspected suicide bombers. Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, has been heavily impacted by conflict. As of Tuesday, March 17, 2026, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.