Crime & SecurityNewsNigeriaAU Condemns Maiduguri Suicide Bombings

The African Union Commission has strongly condemned the suicide bombings that rocked Maiduguri, Borno State, on 16 March 2026, which left several people dead and others injured.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Chairperson of the Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Youssouf, described the attacks as “heinous” and expressed full solidarity with the Nigerian government and people during the difficult period.

“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 statement read.

The Chairperson reiterated the AU’s firm rejection of violence perpetrated by terrorist and violent extremist groups, emphasising that such acts “constitute a grave violation of human rights and undermine peace, security, stability within communities.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, Youssouf commended both the federal and Borno State authorities, stating: “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.”

The Chairperson also warned that the attack underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in the region and urged continued vigilance, resilience, and international support.

He called for enhanced humanitarian assistance, capacity-building, intelligence-sharing, and sustained investment in initiatives addressing the root causes of violent extremism.

“The Chairperson 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 stabilization and development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism,” the statement said.

The AU Commission emphasised that only a collective, society-wide approach can effectively counter terrorism and secure lasting peace, in accordance with African Union instruments on conflict prevention, counter-terrorism, and peacebuilding.

“The African Union reaffirms that only through a whole of society, collective security and action approach, strengthened cooperation, and sustained commitment, can the threat of terrorism be effectively defeated and lasting peace secured, in line with relevant African Union instruments and frameworks on conflict prevention, counter-terrorism, and peacebuilding,” Youssouf added.

Concluding, the Chairperson reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering support to Nigeria, stating: “The Chairperson reaffirms full solidarity and unwavering support of the African Union to the Government and people of Nigeria in promoting sustainable peace and stability.”