Borno Governor Issues High-Alert Warning: Two Suicide Bombers at Large in Maiduguri Ahead of Sallah Festivities

Governor Babagana Zulum warns that two suicide bombers are at large in Maiduguri, urging residents to stay vigilant during Sallah festivities.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 3:57 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Maiduguri Placed on High Alert Amid Insurgent Infiltration

The security situation in Borno State has reached a critical juncture as Governor Babagana Zulum confirmed that a cell of suicide bombers has successfully infiltrated the state capital. Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service on Friday, the Governor revealed that five attackers were dispatched from Boko Haram camps in response to intensified military pressure on their bases. While three of the individuals have already carried out attacks resulting in casualties, two remains at large, posing a direct and imminent threat to the millions of residents currently preparing for Sallah celebrations.

Tactical Distraction Amidst Military Firepower

Governor Zulum characterized the current wave of suicide missions as a desperate tactical shift by insurgents. As the Nigerian security forces unleash significant firepower on terrorist strongholds in Sambisa Forest and Konduga, Boko Haram is attempting to use urban "soft spot" attacks to distract the military from its ongoing air and land strikes. The Governor noted that these "bitter actions" are expected during high-traffic religious periods like Ramadan and Sallah, where the potential for high-casualty events is greatest due to large public gatherings.

Public Safety Directives and Movement Restrictions

Given the intelligence suggesting two active bombers are still at large, the state government has issued specific safety directives for the Sallah period. Governor Zulum has urged residents to voluntarily restrict their movements and avoid crowded areas to minimize the potential impact of any eventual detonation. While acknowledging that a total lockdown of Maiduguri—a city of nearly five million people—is impractical, the Governor emphasized that individual vigilance is the primary defense against attackers who specifically target vulnerable public spaces.