‘Terrorists won’t find safety’: Tinubu orders security chiefs to move to Maiduguri over bomb blasts

President Bola Tinubu has directed the security chiefs to move to Maiduguri, following the bomb blasts in the capital of Borno State.

No fewer than 23 persons were confirmed dead and 108 injured in the multiple explosions, as the Borno State Police Command noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the incidents were carried out using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by suspected suicide bombers on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Tinubu, in a statement issued on Tuesday, described the attacks as “desperate acts of the evil-minded terrorist groups”, adding that “our gallant military and civilian task forces will curtail and put them down.”

Tinubu, also described the bomb blasts as attempts by terrorists to instill and spread fear, saying the insurgents “are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres.”

Tinubu, who commiserated with the victims, said: “We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be.

“I must commend the courage and fighting spirit of our patriotic troops who successfully repelled the coordinated attacks by these terrorists on military positions in the state.

‘Barbaric’: Zulum condemns Maiduguri bomb blasts, urges vigilance

“Just last weekend, during a security meeting with leaders of security and intelligence agencies, I approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities. This effort is already in progress.

“Additionally, I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation. I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured.

“There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them.

“Nigeria will not succumb to fear.”

Earlier, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship and other public areas.

Zulum, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj, added that the recent surge in attacks might be linked to ongoing military operations against insurgents in Sambisa Forest and other hideouts.

The Star