Maiduguri Suicide Blasts Kill 23, Injure Over 100 as Blood Shortage Endangers Victims and Military Warns of More Attacks in Final Ramadan Days

 

A critical shortage of blood, especially for the A blood group, is threatening the lives of victims injured in triple suspected suicide bombings that struck Maiduguri on Monday evening, health workers and residents have warned.

The coordinated explosions targeted crowded civilian areas, including the Monday Market, the Post Office area, and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). Many of the wounded are receiving treatment at UMTH and other facilities in the Borno State capital, with several reported in critical condition requiring urgent blood transfusions.715473

A health worker, speaking on condition of anonymity, made an urgent appeal: “Please, if you or anyone you know has A blood group and can donate, kindly reach out immediately. Your support can save a life.”

Relatives of victims, including Mallam Usman Mohammed and Babagana Yusuf, echoed the call, urging eligible residents to visit hospitals and treatment centres without delay. The ongoing Ramadan fast has worsened the shortage, as many potential donors are unable to give blood during fasting hours.827170

Borno State Police Command confirmed that at least 23 people were killed and 108 others injured in the blasts. Some sources indicated the casualty figures could be higher, with eyewitnesses reporting over 200 injured arriving at hospital emergency departments and multiple bodies at the scenes. No group has claimed responsibility, but preliminary investigations point to suspected suicide bombers.90c85b

The attacks came hours after troops repelled suspected militant infiltrations on military positions on the outskirts of Maiduguri, part of a recent surge in violence across the North-East linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP.98e056

In a related development, the Joint Task Force North East (Operation HADIN KAI) has warned of an increased threat of further suicide attacks in the region, particularly in the final days of Ramadan. In a statement by spokesman Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the military highlighted that terrorist groups often intensify operations during religious periods when people gather in mosques, markets, motor parks, and other public places.

The task force urged residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious, especially in crowded areas. It called on the public to report suspicious persons, unattended items, or unusual movements to security agencies immediately. Worshippers attending night prayers (Taraweeh and Tahajjud) were advised to cooperate with security personnel, while parents were asked to monitor their children’s movements. Community leaders, religious authorities, market associations, and transport unions were encouraged to support sensitisation efforts.797935

Security agencies have heightened surveillance, patrols, and protective measures across key locations to safeguard the remaining Ramadan period and upcoming Eid celebrations. The statement emphasised: “Public cooperation remains a critical component of counter-terrorism efforts. If you see something, say something. Security is everyone’s responsibility.”

Borno Governor Babagana Umara Zulum condemned the bombings as “barbaric and inhumane,” offered condolences to victims’ families, and called for calm while urging residents to report suspicious activity. The attacks have disrupted years of relative calm in Maiduguri, amid a broader resurgence of insurgent activity in the North-East.450f5a

Calls for action: Health authorities and volunteers are appealing for immediate blood donations, particularly A group, at UMTH and other centres. Residents with compatible blood types are encouraged to come forward to help save lives in this emergency.

This tragedy underscores the persistent threat in Nigeria’s North-East, where the long-running insurgency continues to claim civilian lives despite military operations.

(Sources: Vanguard News, AP/PBS, France 24, Al Jazeera, police and military statements. Figures are as reported on March 17, 2026; casualty counts may be updated.)

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