President Bola Tinubu has ordered security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, Borno State, where about 23 people were killed following explosions in the North-Eastern city, and has promised to track the perpetrators of the “acts of terror”. 

President Bola Tinubu, in condemning the incident, described it as part of the “desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear” among people owing to pressure from security forces. 

He said the government is beefing up security across the country and has “directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation.

“I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured,” Tinubu wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

The president said the incident is “profoundly upsetting” but warned that “There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety.

“We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them.”

“We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be,” Tinubu promised.

He lauded the “courage and fighting spirit of our patriotic troops” for their efforts in repelling the “coordinated attacks by these terrorists on military positions in the state”.

Listing efforts by his administration, Tinubu said he recently “approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities.

“This effort is already in progress,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Senators’ Forum said it is “shocked and saddened by the devastating bomb explosions.”

While extending “heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Borno State,” the lawmakers assured that “everything will be done by the Federal Government to ensure that the people regain confidence in the City.”

“We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and comfort for the families of the victims,” Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the forum’s leader, said in a statement.

“We also call on all Nigerians to remain calm and support the efforts of the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The Borno state police command has confirmed 23 persons dead, with 108 injured, following bomb blasts in three locations in Maiduguri.

The bombs, which went off at about 7:24pm on Monday, hit a main market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover.

A statement signed by Nahum Daso, the command spokesperson, said “preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers”.

“Regrettably, a total of twenty three (23) persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight (108) others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” the statement reads.

“Following the incidents, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, the Military, and other Joint Security Operatives were swiftly deployed to the affected areas.

“The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, visited the affected locations to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and to evaluate ongoing response efforts.

“He commiserated with victims and their families, while assuring the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.”

Daso said victims were promptly evacuated to medical facilities by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

According to the police, normalcy has been fully restored in the affected areas. The force also said investigations are apace.

“Meanwhile, joint security operatives have heightened security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent any further occurrences,” the statement added.

“Investigations are ongoing to further ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to bring perpetrators to justice.

“The Borno State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to the nearest security agency.”

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, called for calm following the explosions.

In a statement on Monday, Zulum condemned the attacks, describing them as “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane”.

The governor said targeting civilians and places of worship is unacceptable, especially at a time when Muslim faithful are observing acts of devotion.

President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will today, Tuesday, March 17, depart Abuja for a state visit to the United Kingdom as guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

King Charles will host President Tinubu and his wife at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19.

The state visit is the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.

“President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle,” the Presidency disclosed in a statement on Monday evening.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond.

The Presidency explained that the purpose of this visit was to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

It said that while at Windsor Castle, the UK monarchs would invite the President and his wife to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria.

King Charles and Tinubu will also hold private discussions and meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally.

The Royal Family will host a state banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests.

“President Tinubu will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of the two countries.

“The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

“President Tinubu will witness the signing of the landmark £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s major national maritime infrastructure – the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

“The President will be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and will also attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community,” the statement signed by Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, partly read.

Members of the President’s entourage include Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

Others are Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.); National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.

President Tinubu will return to the country at the conclusion of the state visit.