Panic as Nigerian Governor Warns of Possible Bomb Attack During Eid Al Fitri, Location Emerges

Panic as Nigerian Governor Warns of Possible Bomb Attack During Eid Al Fitri, Location Emerges

  • Babagana Zulum warned residents of Maiduguri to remain vigilant over a possible bomb attack during the Eid period
  • Zulum disclosed that security agencies were tracking two suspected suic*de bombers believed to be at large after recent attacks
  • Zulum said the threat from Boko Haram persisted due to the evolving nature of the insurgency and urged public cooperation

The governor of Borno, Babagana Zulum, has warned residents of the state of a possible bomb attack and called for heightened vigilance in Maiduguri, the state capital, during the Eid period.

Speaking in an interview, Zulum disclosed that security agencies are still tracking two suspected suiclde bombers believed to be at large following recent attacks in the state.

Governor Babagana Zulum urges Maiduguri residents to stay vigilant against potential bomb threats during Eid Al Fitri period.
Governor Babagana Zulum calls on Maiduguri residents to exercise caution amid potential bomb threats amid Eid Al Fitri celebration. Photo credit: @ProfZulum
Source: Twitter
“Maiduguri residents must stay cautious this Eid, 2 suspected suiclde bombers remain at large after recent attacks,” Zulum said.

Eid Al Fitri: Security concerns in Borno

During the interview with BBC Hausa, the governor stressed the need for residents to remain alert, particularly in crowded areas, as authorities intensify efforts to prevent further incidents.

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He noted that while security agencies are working around the clock, public cooperation remains critical in ensuring safety during the celebrations.

Gov explains ongoing insurgency challenges

Zulum also addressed the lingering threat posed by Boko Haram, explaining that despite sustained military operations, the state continues to face security challenges.

According to him, the complexity of the insurgency, including its evolving tactics, has made it difficult to completely eliminate the threat.

The governor urged residents to report any suspicious movements to security agencies, emphasising that preventing attacks requires a collective effort between authorities and the public.

The warning comes amid heightened security concerns in the North-East, as residents prepare to celebrate Eid under tight surveillance.

Borno blast: Northern govs react

Previously, Legit.ng reported that the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) condemned the deadly bomb explosions that hit Maiduguri on Monday evening, March 16.

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The NSGF described the incident as barbaric and a direct attack on innocent lives.

The updated toll was given on Tuesday, March 17, after blasts occurred on Monday, March 16, at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and two local markets, known as Post Office and Monday Market, according to Sirajo Abdullahi, the head of operations at Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Maiduguri.

In a statement issued in his capacity as NSGF chairman, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, especially families who lost their loved ones.

Borno attack: Kwankwaso, Gov Zulum speak

In a related development, Zulum and former Kano state governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso condemned the series of explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening, March 16, leaving several people dead and many others injured.

Babagana Zulum and former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso share concerns on bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno state, on Monday, March 16, 2026.
Governor Babagana Zulum and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso speak on explosions in Maiduguri, Borno state, on Monday evening, March 16, 2026. Photo credit: @KwankwasoRM/@ProfZulum
Source: Twitter

The Borno state police command confirmed that the blasts, suspected to have been carried out by Boko Haram/ISWAP bombers, occurred at multiple locations across the city.

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In a statement issued through his media aide, Zulum described the incident as barbaric and deeply troubling, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

“I am deeply saddened by the explosions that occurred in parts of the metropolis on Monday evening. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane,” he said.

Reacting to the development, Kwankwaso expressed grief over the loss of lives and warned of a possible resurgence of terrorism in the region.

“I am deeply saddened by the horrific multiple sulcide bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed the lives of 23 innocent people and injured over 100 others,” he said.

Tinubu commiserates with Borno people

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the nation’s Service Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take charge of the security situation in Borno.

Tinubu expressed concern over the development and extended condolences to the victims.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He previously worked as a senior correspondent at Vanguard Newspapers. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944