The African Union on Wednesday, condemned bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, where 23 persons were killed and over 100 others injured at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Monday Market and at a post office.

The bombings happened on Monday, after terrorists allegedly dumped Improvised Explosive Devices to the locations with a tricycle, before they were detonated. 

The AU chairperson, Mahmoud Youssouf, in a statement by his spokesperson, Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, in Adis Ababa, Ethiopia, urged the international community to improve humanitarian support in Nigeria, particularly, the Lake Chad Basin region.

Mr Youssouf said, “The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Youssouf, strongly condemns the suicide bombings which occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, on 16 March 2026, resulting to several deaths, and others injured.

“The African Union stands in full solidarity with the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during this difficult time and extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, while wishing speedy recovery to those injured.

“The chairperson reiterates the African Union’s unequivocal rejection and firm condemnation of all forms of violence perpetrated by terrorist elements, and violent extremist groups against civilian populations and security officials. Such acts constitute a grave violation of human rights and undermine peace, security, stability within communities.

“The Chairperson of the Commission commends the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as Borno State authorities, for their sustained and collective efforts in countering terrorism and improving security conditions in Maiduguri and its environs over recent years. This tragic incident underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorism and the need for continued vigilance and resilience.

“The Chairperson @ymahmoudali further calls on international community to scale up support to Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region at large, including through enhanced humanitarian assistance, capacity-building, intelligence-sharing, and sustained investment in stabilisation and development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism.”

Mr Youssouf stressed that it was only through a whole of society, collective security and action approach, strengthened cooperation, and sustained commitment that the threat of terrorism could be defeated and secure lasting peace, in line with relevant AU instruments and frameworks on conflict prevention, counter-terrorism, and peacebuilding.

He assured Nigeria of the AU’s full solidarity and unwavering support to the Bola Tinubu administration, and Nigerians in promoting sustainable peace and stability.