Nigeria's army chief visits Maiduguri following deadly suicide bombings

Security Update: Developments in Maiduguri

On Wed, Nigeria's defense chiefs visited Maiduguri following one of the deadliest attacks in Borno state in recent years. This visit follows a directive by President Bola Tinubu to address escalating terrorism in the region.

A triple suicide bombing on Mon resulted in at least 23 fatalities and injured 108 individuals. The military attributes the attack to the militant group Boko Haram.

General Olufemi Oluyede, Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff, emphasized the need for local communities in Borno and Yobe states to take ownership of the security situation. He stated, "The bulk of the people who are perpetuating these heinous acts are from these states. They are our brothers, our sisters, our cousins, and we know them."

Oluyede further noted, "For us to bring this to an end, all hands must be on deck." He pledged that such incidents will not repeat in the future, although the forces are currently managing multiple security challenges across the country.

Militant groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have intensified their activities in northeastern Nigeria. Since the inception of their campaign 17 years ago, over 40,000 individuals have died, and more than two million have been displaced.

Recent data from the US-based conflict monitor ACLED indicates an increase in military confrontations and attacks, with 401 military confrontations, 104 bombings, and 141 attacks on civilians recorded in 2025 in Borno.

As jihadist tactics evolve, the Nigerian army reported the elimination of over 60 jihadists following an attack on a military position in Mallam Fatori. The attack involved the use of armed drones, a tactic increasingly employed in Nigeria and the Sahel.

President Bola Tinubu continues his state visit to the United Kingdom, where security cooperation remains a key agenda item.

Based on reporting by Africanews.