Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has issued an urgent security alert, warning residents of Maiduguri to remain vigilant during Eid prayers following intelligence reports of a possible suicide bombing plot.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, the governor disclosed that security agencies had uncovered information indicating that two suspected suicide bombers were on the loose and planning coordinated attacks within the city.
“We have intelligence that there are two suicide bombers lurking around to carry out attacks, and we are calling on all our people to remain vigilant,” Zulum said.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the state after a series of deadly explosions earlier in the week. The governor noted that although insurgents, particularly Boko Haram, are currently under significant military pressure, they may attempt to strike soft targets in Maiduguri as a diversionary tactic. He, however, expressed confidence that ongoing security operations would thwart such attempts.
This marks Zulum’s first public statement since Monday’s coordinated suicide attacks, which targeted multiple locations, including the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, a busy roundabout, and areas near the Post Office.
The attacks, which occurred simultaneously around 7:00 p.m., reportedly claimed over 20 lives and left more than 100 people injured.
Earlier on Friday, the governor visited victims of the blasts after returning from the lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
During the visit, he commended the Federal Government for its swift response, including the release of funds for clearance operations in areas around Lake Chad and directives for Service Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to strengthen security efforts.
