How teenagers hid explosives in flask in attempted attack on Borno hospital

Fresh details have emerged on how three teenagers allegedly attempted to bomb the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital using explosives concealed in a food flask before they were intercepted by security personnel at the facility’s entrance.

The suspects reportedly targeted the main hospital complex in what could have been one of the most devastating attacks on patients and visitors in recent times.

However, the attackers were denied entry, leading to explosions at the hospital gate on March 16.

At least 23 people were killed, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

A security personnel at the hospital, Ali Musa, described the suspects as teenagers who attempted to bypass security checks to gain access to the facility.

He said the “unkempt teenagers” arrived at the entrance in a tricycle, popularly known as Keke Napep, carrying a food flask, posing as visitors bringing meals to patients.

“We had earlier heard about a bomb blast at the post office and immediately tightened security,” Musa said. “There were only two of us on duty at the time, as others had gone to break their fast.”

He added that the suspects approached at high speed, raising suspicion.

“Normally, vehicles slow down for checks, but they drove in recklessly. I stopped them and asked them to reverse. They hesitated at first but eventually complied, staring at me in a disturbing manner,” he said.

Musa further revealed that one of the suspects threw the flask at him while reversing.

“I kicked it away, and moments later, it exploded. I immediately fell to the ground. The impact injured my hand,” he said.

He added that a second explosion occurred shortly after, injuring his colleague and others nearby.

A shop owner in the area, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the account, stating that the attackers intended to cause maximum destruction within the hospital.

Meanwhile, a separate explosion at the Monday Market later that evening is believed to have been carried out by another suicide bomber using an explosive device.

Following the attacks, Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed security chiefs to relocate to Borno State in response to the rising wave of violence.

Subsequently, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, arrived in Maiduguri on March 18.