Troops Intensify Surveillance After Suicide Attacks in Maiduguri
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intensified surveillance and security operations across Maiduguri following multiple suicide bomb attacks that rocked parts of the metropolis on Monday evening.
The explosions, which occurred at about 7:05 p.m., were carried out by suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers at three locations within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, including the Post Office area, Monday Market axis and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The attacks, which coincided with the period of Iftar, were targeted at crowded public areas in what security sources described as an attempt to cause mass casualties and create panic within the city.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said troops, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and other security agencies, responded swiftly to the incidents.
He said the affected areas were immediately secured and cordoned off to prevent further explosions and ensure public safety.
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Emergency response teams, including officials of the National Emergency Management Agency and medical personnel, were also deployed to evacuate casualties to nearby hospitals.
Victims of the blasts were taken to the General Hospital, Specialist Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where medical teams are currently attending to the injured.
Uba said preliminary intelligence suggested that the attackers deployed multiple suicide bombers into the city as part of a coordinated plan to strike crowded locations.
Following the attacks, security forces have stepped up surveillance, patrols and counter-improvised explosive device measures across the metropolis to track down remaining suspects and prevent further incidents.
He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded places where possible and promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
The military also commiserated with families of the victims, assuring that efforts were ongoing to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice and sustain operations aimed at restoring lasting peace in the North-East.
By PRNigeria
