The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the explosion that rocked a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday evening was caused by a suicide bomber. The blast claimed lives and left several worshippers injured, raising fresh concerns about security in the state despite ongoing military operations against insurgents.
The confirmation came from the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the military operation in charge of counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East. In a statement released on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said preliminary investigations showed that a suspected Boko Haram terrorist carried out the attack.
According to the statement, the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device inside or close to the mosque during evening prayers. The explosion killed the bomber and two civilians at the scene.
“Preliminary findings indicated that a suspected Boko Haram terrorist detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians,” Lt. Col. Uba said.
He added that security forces responded quickly after the explosion. Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and other security agencies, immediately moved to the area to prevent further danger.
“The troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police EOD team, other security agencies, the Borno State Government, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), responded promptly, secured the area, and cordoned off the affected location to prevent further harm,” the statement said.
The army spokesperson disclosed that 32 civilians sustained injuries during the incident. While many of the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, two later died from their injuries. He said two others remain in critical condition, while the remaining injured persons are stable and receiving medical care.
Medical workers and emergency responders were seen attending to victims shortly after the blast, while security personnel restricted movement around Gamboru Market to allow investigations and ensure safety.
Gamboru Market is one of the busiest commercial areas in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. It attracts traders, shoppers, and worshippers from different parts of the city. The presence of a mosque in such a crowded location means the impact of any attack can be severe.
The attack has once again highlighted the security challenges in Borno State, which has been at the centre of Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and its splinter groups for over a decade. Although the military has recorded successes in recent years, insurgents have continued to carry out sporadic attacks, often targeting civilians.
Boko Haram began its violent campaign in 2009, with Borno State as its main base. Over the years, thousands of people have been killed, and millions displaced due to the insurgency. Markets, places of worship, schools, and public gatherings have often been targets of attacks.
In recent times, however, the frequency of large-scale attacks in Maiduguri has reduced due to increased military presence and intelligence operations. This has allowed some displaced residents to return to the city and resume normal activities. The latest incident, therefore, has caused fear among residents, especially as it occurred during a period when people were preparing for festive activities.
Reacting to the incident, Lt. Col. Uba reassured residents of Maiduguri and surrounding communities that security agencies are fully alert and committed to protecting lives and property.
He said surveillance and security measures have been intensified across the city and other parts of the state to prevent further attacks, especially during the festive season.
“He reassured residents of their safety during the festive season, noting that security agencies have intensified surveillance and protective measures across Maiduguri and surrounding areas,” the statement said.
Residents around Gamboru Market described the explosion as loud and frightening. Some worshippers said they ran for safety immediately after hearing the blast, while shop owners hurriedly closed their businesses as security operatives moved in.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious movement or objects. They also warned against spreading unverified information that could cause panic.
The Borno State Government has not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident, but officials were present at the scene alongside federal agencies to coordinate emergency response and support victims.