At least 23 civilians were killed and over 100 injured when bombs exploded in Maiduguri, Nigeria, hitting a teaching hospital and two markets during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The attacks targeted crowded public areas, causing panic in the Borno state capital. While no group claimed responsibility, a Nigerian military spokesman directly attributed the bombings to suicide attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram, stating they aimed to inflict mass casualties and create terror.

Despite intensified security operations backed by U.S. military experts targeting militant hideouts in the Sambissa Forest, Boko Haram and its splinter group ISWAP have escalated attacks, overrunning military bases and towns like Ngoshe, killing scores of residents. Analysts suggest rival groups may be coordinating temporarily to confront the government, as assaults become increasingly deadly, with over 133 civilians killed last month alone.

Governor Zulum, who was in Mecca during the attack, urged calm and stated adequate security measures were in place, calling for prayers for an end to the conflict.