The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned the recent deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri, warning that Nigeria must not be dragged back into the dark era of terrorism.

The explosions reportedly occurred at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, as well as the Monday Market and Post Office areas—shattering what the coalition described as fragile peace painstakingly rebuilt after years of insurgency in the North-East.

In a statement, CNG National Coordinator Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi described the coordinated attacks as “barbaric and cowardly” and a troubling signal that terrorist elements are once again testing the nation’s resolve.

“Let this be stated with absolute clarity: Nigeria must never, and will never, return to the dark days of bomb blasts, fear, and mass killings. Never again,” Charanchi said.

He added: “These despicable acts are not only attacks on innocent lives but assaults on our collective humanity, national stability, and the fragile peace that the people of Maiduguri—and indeed the entire North-East—have worked so hard to rebuild.”

CNG extended condolences to the families of the victims, the government and people of Borno State, and the Shehu of Borno, while praying for the swift recovery of the injured.

The coalition called for urgent and decisive action from the Federal Government, Borno State Government, and security agencies, urging them to move beyond routine responses and confront the renewed threat with determination.

Charanchi expressed concern over a resurgence of Boko Haram activity in parts of the North-East, warning that it coincides with the controversial deployment of foreign troops.

“The CNG is deeply concerned by renewed terrorist activity in areas coinciding with the deployment of American troops, which we opposed from the outset,” he said. “Nigeria has the capacity and institutional strength to tackle its security challenges without reliance on foreign forces, whose presence may complicate the situation. Security strategies must be anchored on national interest, accountability, and transparency.”

He also urged authorities to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute sponsors and financiers of terrorism. “Those who fund and sustain terror must be tracked, prosecuted, and dealt with decisively, regardless of status or connections,” Charanchi said.

The coalition stressed that leadership at the highest level is critical in times of crisis. It called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cut short his trip to the United Kingdom and return to Nigeria to take direct charge of the security situation.

“The resurgence of such attacks is a painful reminder that terrorism, though degraded, has not been completely defeated. It requires renewed strategy, stronger intelligence coordination, and visible leadership at all levels to ensure permanent eradication,” he said.

CNG urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies while demanding accountability and decisive action from those tasked with protecting lives and property.

“The people of Maiduguri have suffered enough. The North-East has paid a heavy price. Nigeria must not be dragged backward into an era we have collectively resisted with great sacrifice. Error must never be allowed to take root again—not in Maiduguri, not in the North, not anywhere in Nigeria,” Charanchi concluded.