2021 Maiduguri rocket attacks

2021 Maiduguri rocket attacks
Part of the Boko Haram insurgency
Location of Borno State
Location	Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Date	23 February 2021
Weapons	Rocket-propelled grenades
Deaths	10
Injured	8+
Perpetrator	Boko Haram

During the early evening of 23 February 2021, Boko Haram militants fired a series of rocket-propelled grenades in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.^[1] The attacks killed at least 10 people; many others were injured.^[2]

The terrorist attack

The terrorists started from Boboshe, a well-known Boko Haram base, and crossed the defensive barrier around Maiduguri. They then started shooting in the north-eastern Nigerian city. One of the rockets hit a playground. The shots were heard as people ran for safety. The initial, seemingly aimless shooting was followed by an attack on the University of Maiduguri, where the terrorists' gunfire had already been targeted.^[1]

During the incident, several high-profile structures in the city were damaged, including a mosque as well as Maiduguri International airport.^[3]

The airport attack in particular gathered concern, given that it could begin a new trend for Boko Haram to target commercial airplanes.^[4]

Aftermath

In the aftermath of the rocket strikes, Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari took a visit to the city, including the airport.^[5]

See also

• List of terrorist incidents in 2021
• Timeline of the Boko Haram insurgency

References

1. "Nigeria's Boko Haram crisis: Maiduguri rocket attack kills 10". BBC News. 24 February 2021.
2. Carsten, Paul (24 February 2021). Heinrich, Mark (ed.). "Suspected Islamist insurgents strike northeast Nigeria's main city, 10 dead". Reuters.
3. Obiezu, Timothy (December 23, 2021). "Reports: Blasts Kill 5 in Nigeria's Maiduguri as President Visits". VOA. Retrieved 2021-12-26.
4. Editorial (2021-12-26). "That Rocket Attack On Maiduguri". Leadership News. Retrieved 2021-12-26.
5. "Undeterred by bombings during his Maiduguri visit, Buhari says Nigeria in 'final phase' of tackling insurgency". Premium Times. 2021-12-23. Archived from the original on 2021-12-23. Retrieved 2021-12-26.