Three teenagers attempted to bomb University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, killing 23 and injuring 108, but security personnel prevented further devastation

Fresh details have emerged on how three teenagers allegedly attempted to bomb the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital with explosives concealed inside a food flask before being intercepted by security personnel at the facility’s entrance.

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According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants had targeted the main hospital building in what could have been one of the most devastating attacks in recent times on patients and visitors.

Security forces prevented their entry, but explosions still occurred at the hospital entrance on March 16, resulting in at least 23 fatalities and 108 injuries.

One of the hospital’s security personnel, Ali Musa, described the attackers as teenagers attempting to bypass security protocols. “We had heard about the bomb blast at the post office and immediately tightened security.

They were three in number—two boys and one rider of a tricycle. I suspected something was wrong the way they drove in at full speed,” he said.

Musa explained that the assailants carried a food flask resembling a meal delivery, throwing it at him during their attempted escape. “I kicked the flask back, and it fell.

I then heard a loud explosion and immediately lay flat on the ground. The impact affected my hand,” he recalled. Musa further described injuries sustained by his colleagues and bystanders.

A shop owner near the hospital corroborated Musa’s account, saying the bombers aimed to destroy parts of the hospital.

In addition to the hospital incident, the Monday Market in Maiduguri was also attacked around 7:05 pm on the same day, reportedly by another suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with at least one victim burned beyond recognition.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, responding to the attacks, ordered service chiefs to relocate to Borno State to address the escalating security threats.

Following the directive, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, arrived in Maiduguri on the morning of March 18 to coordinate response and containment measures.

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The twin attacks underscore persistent security challenges in Maiduguri, particularly threats targeting civilians and critical infrastructure. Authorities continue to investigate and reinforce measures to prevent further tragedies.