Go Back Home and Protect Your People - President Trump Blasts Tinubu

At least 23 people lost their lives, and more than 100 others were hurt in a series of suspected suicide bombings that hit several spots in Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria's Borno State, on the evening of March 16, 2026.

These coordinated attacks were aimed at crowded public spots, including the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the busy Monday Market, and the area around the Post Office, all during the Iftar time in Ramadan.

The explosions happened while Borno State was already dealing with increased insecurity, as recent militant actions have gotten worse, even though the military is still operating there.

Officials said the blasts led to serious injuries in heavily populated civilian areas, with victims being quickly taken to hospitals as chaos unfolded.

In a swift and pointed reaction, US President Donald J. Trump addressed the tragedy on his social media platform, describing the situation in Nigeria as a “TOTAL DISASTER.”

In a post shared widely, President Trump highlighted the “massive, coordinated suicide bombings” and criticised what he called a lack of leadership and “open borders for terrorists.”

He specifically called out Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently on a state visit to the United Kingdom, hosted by King Charles III and including bilateral talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

President Trump urged Prime Minister Starmer to tell President Tinubu to “GO HOME IMMEDIATELY,” arguing that a real leader should be on the ground during such a crisis rather than attending ceremonial events abroad.

READ ALSO: President Donald Trump Declares That America Has Defeated Iran

President Trump's recent post really hit on the usual themes: national security, border control, and the need for strong leadership. He put it pretty bluntly: "Close the borders, find the terrorists, and PROTECT YOUR CITIZENS. Everything else can wait. TRUTH!" It wasn't surprising that the comment got a lot of buzz online, showing his typical no-nonsense approach to security issues.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu's trip to the UK, which kicked off around March 17th, is being called a historic visit, apparently the first Nigerian state visit to the UK in quite some time. The focus is all about strengthening ties, both politically and economically, as well as reconnecting with the Nigerian diaspora. Interestingly, the timing of these recent attacks back home has started some conversations in Nigeria about what the country's leadership priorities should be, especially with the ongoing insurgency.

Over in Maiduguri, security forces have stepped up their patrols and are digging deeper into the situation following the attacks. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum strongly condemned the violence, linking it to a recent uptick in militant activity.

People living in the region and officials alike are still very worried about the constant threat these groups pose. This conflict, which has been going on for more than a decade, has unfortunately displaced millions and taken thousands of lives.

As the investigation into the latest incident continues, it really highlights just how tough it is to tackle extremism in northeastern Nigeria. The situation is getting international attention, including from the United States, and there are growing calls for a renewed focus on security and effective governance.