Dikwa suicide bombings

On the morning of February 9, 2016, at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time (5:30 GMT), an attack occurred at a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Dikwa, a town located about 90 km (55 miles) northeast of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Nigeria. Borno State is also identified as the birthplace of the militant group Boko Haram.

According to officials, three suicide bombers infiltrated the camp disguised as refugees. Two of the bombers, both women reported to be between the ages of 17 and 20, detonated their explosives as displaced people were queuing for food rations. The attack killed more than 60 people and injured 78 others.

A third bomber, identified only by the name Hauwa — described as not her real name — reportedly refused to detonate her explosive vest after entering the camp and discovering that her relatives were present among the displaced population. Two additional individuals also reportedly refused to detonate their vests and escaped the camp.

The attackers were affiliated with Boko Haram, the militant group active in northeastern Nigeria.

In the aftermath of the attack, Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo issued a statement addressing the nation, saying: "The full weight of the Federal Government's force will be deployed to hunt down the perpetrators of this evil act and confront terrorists who threaten lives, liberty and property of all Nigerians."

The case remains associated with the broader pattern of Boko Haram-linked violence against displaced persons and civilians in northeastern Nigeria during this period.