Three teenagers allegedly attempted to carry out a deadly attack at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital by concealing explosives inside a food flask, but their plan was foiled by vigilant security personnel at the hospital gate.

According to security sources, the suspects—estimated to be between 13 and 14 years old—arrived at the facility posing as visitors bringing food to a patient. Riding in a tricycle, they reportedly sped toward the entrance and ignored routine security checks, raising suspicion among on-duty guards.

A security officer, Ali Musa, said the trio’s behaviour was unusual and prompted him to stop them from entering. After initially resisting, the teenagers reversed their tricycle. During the exchange, one of them threw the food flask toward him.

Musa said he instinctively kicked the flask away, after which it exploded instantly, injuring him and others nearby. A female colleague suffered a broken leg, while another bystander was also wounded. A second explosion occurred moments later in the vicinity.

Investigations suggest the attackers were targeting the hospital’s main complex, a densely populated area that could have resulted in massive casualties. Authorities believe the intervention at the gate prevented what might have been one of the deadliest attacks in recent times.

The incident was part of a series of coordinated explosions across Maiduguri on March 16, which left at least 23 people dead and over 100 injured. Another blast later that evening at Monday Market was reportedly carried out by a separate attacker.

In response to the renewed wave of violence, President Bola Tinubu directed top military officials to relocate temporarily to Borno State to strengthen security operations and address the resurgence of insurgent activities.