Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has said that two suspected suicide bombers remains at large after multiple explosions rocked Maiduguri, the state capital.
In an interview with BBC Pidgin on Friday, Zulum said that intelligence reports indicate that five suspected bombers infiltrated the city.
He said that three of them already detonated their Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), while the whereabouts of the remaining two are unknown.
‘As I mentioned earlier, the intelligence we have received so far indicates that five suicide bombers infiltrated Maiduguri. So far, three have detonated their IEDs, while the whereabouts of the remaining two are still being investigated’, the governor said.
Three bomb blasts occurred across Maiduguri, leaving over 100 residents injured, with 23 fatalities.
The coordinated nature of the attacks has raised concerns about renewed infiltration by insurgents into the city, particularly during festive periods.
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, had said that some of the explosive devices were transported with tricycles to evade security checks.
Zulum said that security agencies are actively tracking the two remaining suspects and have intensified surveillance across the city.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid crowded areas, especially during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
He said: ‘We are on top of the situation, and we will find the two who are yet to detonate their devices.
‘It is important to share this information so that people can be mindful of their movements… Government has the responsibility to inform the public so that people can avoid places of gathering’.
Zulum attributed the infiltration to ongoing military operations in the Sambisa Forest and along the shores of Lake Chad, adding that insurgents often disperse into civilian areas to evade attacks.
He said that the growing population of Maiduguri — now estimated at between three and four million — makes it difficult for security operatives to effectively screen all residents.
Despite the attacks, the governor said that the state has made significant progress in tackling insurgency compared to previous years.
‘Whenever there are ongoing military operations, insurgents tend to move out to defend themselves and divert attention’, he said.
Zulum assured residents that additional security measures have been put in place to prevent further attacks.
‘Anyone familiar with Borno will attest that peace has gradually returned, and this madness will not be allowed to continue’, he said.
