Borno State, just reeling from multiple bomb attacks by terrorists this week that killed over 20 persons, budgeted N7.7 billion within 21 months on the rehabilitation and reintegration of “repentant” Boko Haram members.
Findings from the 2025 full-year budget performance document show that N4.3 billion was spent on “livelihood support for Repentant Boko Haram members” in 2025 alone.
Of the stated amount, N1.6 billion was disbursed between October and December, reflecting a significant surge in spending within a three-month period.
The figure adds to an earlier N3.45 billion reportedly spent between January and September 2024 under the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme, bringing the total expenditure within the period under review to approximately N7.7 billion.
While the state spent these amounts to rehabilitate ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members, bombings and killings are yet to be stopped.
No fewer than 23 persons were confirmed dead, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following multiple bomb explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening.
Monday’s coordinated attacks occurred at three separate locations across the city, throwing residents into panic and prompting a swift response from security agencies and emergency services.
A statement issued by the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso on Tuesday confirmed the casualty figures.
He revealed that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attacks.
The statement read, “Following the devastating suspected suicide IED explosions that occurred at about 7:24pm on March 16, 2026, at (1) Maiduguri Monday Market, (2) University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and (3) Post Office Flyover area, Maiduguri.”
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers. Regrettably, 23 persons lost their lives, while 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
Daso added that security agencies responded swiftly to contain the situation and prevent further harm.
“The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats,” he added.
He further noted that a combined team of police tactical units, the military, and other security operatives had been deployed to the affected areas.
Victims of the explosions were promptly evacuated by emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, to nearby medical facilities where they are currently receiving treatment.
