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.
Maiduguri 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".
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 to 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.
1 Borno State Museum. Mon-Sat 8AM-5PM. Antiquities, contemporary art works, crafts and other historical artifacts of the people of Borno State. (updated Apr 2022) 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. (updated Jul 2024) 3 Indimi central mosque, Maiduguri-Numan Road. Indimi Jummu'at mosque, it's very beautiful place that everyone would like to watch. (updated Aug 2024) 4 Mai Deribe Palace, Maiduguri-Old Maiduguri GRA.
1 Al-Ansar University Maiduguri, Damasak Road, Near Baga market, ☏ +234 703 238-6932. (updated Jan 2025)
1 Downtown Restaurant, Lagos st, ☏ +234 806 157-5295. Daily 10AM-10PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021) 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. (updated Oct 2024) 3 Al-heri Restaurant, Opposite University of Maiduguri gate two, ☏ +234 703 006-4172. Daily 8AM-4:30PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021) 4 Favour Restaurant, Kashim Ibrahim Rd. Daily 9AM-7PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021) 5 Unimaid Students Center., Bama-Maiduguri Rd, ☏ +234 706 318-7305. Daily. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery.
1 City Star Bar, Yerima Rd, ☏ +234 802 733-7732. Daily 10AM-10PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. (updated Jun 2021) 2 Sahel Hotel & bar, Bama-Maiduguri Rd. 24 hours. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021) 3 NAF Mess, Circular Rd. 24 hours. Within the National Air Force compound. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Oct 2024) 4 RB Hotel, At the junction between Agoja Road and Harang Road. 24 hours. Nice terrace. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Oct 2024) 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.
Maiduguri 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.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Sep, Maiduguri typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.
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