Maiduguri
Maiduguri, also known locally as Yerwa, is a city of 800,000 people (2021 estimate) in Northeastern Nigeria. It is the capital of the Borno State. Since 2009, it has been the heart of the Boko Haram insurgency.
Understand
editMaiduguri is the principal trading hub for north-eastern Nigeria. Its economy is largely based on services and trade with a small share of manufacturing.
Maiduguri is home to three markets which include a modern "Monday market".
Get in
edit1 Maiduguri International Airport (MIU IATA). It handles domestic flights from Lagos via the capital Abuja, and Yola. 
There have been no passenger services to Maiduguri, the government wants to reestablish the rail link and have made several promises of renewed traffic "soon". Don't hold your breath, though as the lines are targeted by organized armed groups. The old 2 Maiduguri railway station is north of city center.
Buses are the main form of land transport and ABC Transport amongst others offers overnight from Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and daytime buses from Kano and Jos.
Travelling by car is not possible, due to insecurity on all national highways in and out of Maiduguri preventing travel by anyone except local people. NGOs, UN and government staff are forbidden from travelling more than a few kilometers out of Maiduguri by road, and attacks, robberies, and informal checkpoints either by Islamist insurgents or common criminals is extremely common. National roads A3, which continues towards N'Djamena, and A4 passes by the city.
Get around
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You will occasionally see large convoys of military jeeps, passenger vans, and black SUVs driving through the city at high speeds with sirens on. Do not attempt to overtake or cut into these convoys, which mainly transport government officials between the airport and Government House. To pass the time, try and count the number of vehicles in the convoy: the higher the number, the more important the person. Yellow kekes (tuk-tuks), blue buses and tricycles are local ways of transportation. Count 1USD (1,500NGN) for 45mins of keke, and 20cents (300NGN for the same by tricycle). Sitting on the side of the tricycle can be dangerous though, and expose you to robbers.
See
edit- 1 Borno State Museum. M-Sa 8AM-5PM. Antiquities, contemporary art works, crafts and other historical artifacts of the people of Borno State.
- 2 Emir Palace Maiduguri. This is the palace of the Borno Emirate. This realm dates from the early 20th century, but its rulers stem from the Bornu Empire, which was founded in the 1380s. The Emir is a ceremonial ruler rather than an absolute monarch, but he is an influential figure, honoured by 4 million Kanuri.
- 3 Indimi central mosque, Maiduguri-Numan Road. Indimi Jummu'at mosque, it's very beautiful place that everyone would like to watch.
- 4 Mai Deribe Palace, Maiduguri-Old Maiduguri GRA. An oil baron's palace from the 1970's. The palace is very richly decorated, including gold in many walls, Louis XV-style furniture and features a lion's skin carpet. It welcomed Lady Diana and Juan Carlos II. Prices are informal, you can expect to pay 1500-2000NGN per person for the guards and the same for the visit. Visits should be arranged before by a local who knows the family.
Do
editBuy
edit- 1 Gomboru Market, Gamboru, ☏ +234 814 444 5946. General market to buy foodstuff, clothing materials and other essentials.
- 2 Today's Store, Maiduguri Rd, ☏ +234 805-500-5324. Daily 7AM-10PM. In-store shopping. In-store pick up. Delivery.
- 3 Maiva's Shop, University of Maiduguri Teaching hospital quarters, ☏ +234 809-321-3118. Daily. In-store shopping.
- 4 Caps Market, Damboa Rd, ☏ +234 802-747-9008. Daily 8AM-6PM. In-store shopping.
- 5 AMH & Sons, Monday Market,B2, ☏ +234 706-363-0882. Daily 10AM-5:30PM. In-store shopping.
- 6 Najma Superstore, Magaram Rd. Daily. In-store shopping.
- 7 Baga Road Market Maiduguri (Baga road), Along Maiduguri-Baga road. Baga road Market is a marketplace where you can buy food stuff like rice, beans, fish, fresh vegetables and fruits.
- 8 Local crafts market (Close to epidemiologic, close to trucks loading-unloading leaving for nearby countries.). Small shops of local crafts, wallets, bags, necklaces, and other traditional items. Always negotiate and ask for last price.
Eat
edit- 1 Downtown Restaurant, Lagos st, ☏ +234 806-157-5295. Daily 10AM-10PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 2 City Star Restaurant, Yerima Rd, ☏ +234 906 868 8875. Daily 10AM-10PM. The menu with the largest options in the city. Lebanese, seafood and local food. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 3 Al-heri Restaurant, Opposite University of Maiduguri gate two, ☏ +234 703-006-4172. Daily 8AM-4:30PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 4 Favour Restaurant, Kashim Ibrahim Rd. Daily 9AM-7PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 5 Unimaid Students Center., Bama-Maiduguri Rd, ☏ +234 706-318-7305. Daily. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 6 BinMak Cafe, Damboa Rd, opp. Habib yoghurt OR carpet deport (in front opposite of Habib Yogurt, there's a small entrance leading to the restaurant), ☏ +234 802 313 4043. Tu-Su 11AM-8PM. Very good fried chicken, loaded fries and breakfasts. Contrary to its name, there is no coffee. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 7 Kayat Restaurant, Shehu Bukar Road, close to the intersection with the circular road. Nice terrace, good salads, Indian dishes upon availability. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- Chill In Restaurant, Shehu Lamido way, opposite gidam zoo main gate, MMC, ☏ +234 706 561 9534. Daily 7AM-10:30PM. It typically serves most dishes and drinks. It has an outdoor seating and reservations as well.
- Hadiza Bulongu Restaurant, Damboa Rd, opposite eye hospital, MMC, ☏ +234 814 733 7838. Daily. Serves a wide variety of mainly local dishes with good ambience.
- StreetSide Xpress, Metropolitan City, Nipost Quarters, Circular Road, ☏ +234 808 608 8053. Daily. Great food taste with customer friendly environment. Offers kids menu too.
- Hannas Restaurant, Kashim Ibrahim Rd. Daily 7AM-9PM. Offers a variety of dishes. It’s very conducive for solo or joint dining. Has a fireplace too.
- LM Restaurant & Bakery, Lagos St, ☏ +234 906 131 8362. Serves vegan dishes amongst other tasty dishes. Has a fireplace too. Feel free to try their pastries anytime.
- Hebron Foods, 4 Krika Sama Road, ☏ +234 912 666 6934. Daily 8AM-9PM. Clean and cozy environment with tasty meals.
- Al-Hana Restaurant and Patisserie, Suite A38 / A39, Zara City Plaza, Lagos St, ☏ +234 802 992 0840. M-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 10AM-10PM. Serves happy-hour food with great cocktails.
- El-Habib Restaurant, Opposite university of maiduguri gate two. Daily 8AM-4:30PM. Serves tasty meals including vegan dishes at affordable prices.
- Alheri Restaurant, ☏ +234 814 072 3732. M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 7AM-11PM. Serving great and affordable meals. Has outdoor dining experience too.
- Down Town Takeaway, Lagos St, ☏ +234 806 157 5295. Daily 10AM-10PM. Offers great dishes and pastries. Outdoor seating experience is available.
- Favour Restaurant, 1 Kirikasama Street, beside Nasara Computer Academy, ☏ +234 816 096 2727. Has variety of African dishes with a comfortable and healthy environment.
- Zaimah Fresh, Zara City Plaza, Lagos St, ☏ +234 701 002 2722. Has a great food menu at affordable prices, mainly local dishes. Also has a variety of drinks and pastries.
Drink
edit- 1 City Star Bar, Yerima Rd, ☏ +234-802-733-7732. Daily 10AM-10PM. Dine-in. Takeaway.
- 2 Sahel Hotel & bar, Bama-Maiduguri Rd. 24 hours. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 3 NAF Mess, Circular Rd. 24 hours. Within the National Air Force compound. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 4 RB Hotel, At the junction between Agoja Road and Harang Road. 24 hours. Nice terrace. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 5 Amada International Hotel, Shehu Sanda Kyarimi Primary School, crescent, Maiduguri. 24 hours. Nice terrace (no light at night, you need to go to the bamboo floor). Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 6 Amada International Hotel annex, Close to Gumbudali Shopping Complex, Off Circular Road, ☏ +234 812 229 8227. 24 hours. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
- 7 Lake Chad Club, Right by the City Star Hotel entrance. 24 hours. Upon invitation from a member, or by paying a fee. The entrance is 1,000 NGN, lifelong membership 60,000NGN. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
Sleep
editUsually, fancy places with 24/24 electricity and AC prices range from 50,000NGN. Cheaper hotels prices range from 25,000NGN, but electricity and ACs may never work during your stay (October 2024).
- 1 Grand Pinnacle Luxury Hotel, Maiduguri International Airport, ☏ +234-803-892-1433, reservations@hotels.ng. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Pool, free breakfast, free parking, air conditioning. ₦14,000.
- 2 Nanne and Boi Suites, Onitsha Rd, ☏ +234-708-306-1470. Pool, free breakfast, free parking, airport shuttle.
- 3 Dujima international Hotel, Kashim Ibrahim Rd, ☏ +234-802-924-4328. Check-out: noon. Free breakfast, free parking, air conditioning, restaurant. ₦13,500.
- 4 Barwee Luxury Suites, Maiduguri-Potiskum Rd, ☏ +234-812-841-9388. Check-out: noon. Pool, free breakfast, free parking, Air conditioning. ₦27,600.
- 5 Safari Hotel, 21 Should Laminu way, ☏ +234-814-421-3015. Check-out: noon. Free parking, free wifi, room service.
Stay safe
editMaiduguri is the epicenter of the Islamist Insurgency in Northeast Nigeria and, despite heavy military presence and relative security within the confines of the city, militants are able to move freely only 20 km from the city center. Rocket and mortar attacks on targets within Maiduguri, particularly in the west of the city around the airport, are common. Bomb attacks within the city have not happened for some time, but cannot be ruled out. Any person coming to Maiduguri for the first time should be well acquainted with War zone safety.
The North of Maiduguri as well as other less urban outskirts are extremely unsafe with occurrences of violent and non-violent crime and occasionally communal violence. Risks range from pickpocketing to muggings and abduction for ransom. The lack of mains electricity within the city means that much of it is very dark after nightfall. Do not walk on the streets at night and ensure that the doors to your accommodation are locked securely. You should aim to stay in accommodation with high, barbed wire walls and armed security if possible.
If you find yourself approaching a protest or demonstration where people seem agitated, calmly but quickly turn your vehicle around and drive away. Do not attempt to pass through crowds in a vehicle. Demonstrations in Maiduguri are illegal, and can quickly devolve into violence on the side of either police or demonstrators. Foreigners may be targeted at such events.
It is recommended that you hire a vehicle with a driver while in Maiduguri. Ensure that drivers have all relevant credentials and that vehicles are in good condition.
The city is under a perpetual state of curfew although the exact times have been adjusted by the military theatre since late 2023 at 11PM. Cars stopped at one of the numerous police/vigilantes checkpoints after curfew can be extensively questioned and you may rarely be requested to pay a "special fine" to the men on duty. Do not take photographs of military personnel or government installations.
Connect
editMaiduguri is a city in northeastern Nigeria, and connecting with people there may require some effort due to the current security situation. However, here are some ways to connect with people in Maiduguri:
- Phone Use mobile phone networks like MTN, Glo, or Airtel to reach out to individuals or organizations.
- Local Radio Stations Reach out to local radio stations broadcasting in Maiduguri to share messages or announcements.
- Community Centers Connect with community centers, mosques, or churches to reach local residents.
Cope
edit- Indimi mosque, Maiduguri-Numan Rd, ☏ +234 702 713 4672.