A bomb explosion at a mosque inside Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, Borno State, has left four people dead and 32 others injured, the Nigerian Army has confirmed. The attack occurred on Wednesday evening during Maghrib prayers, causing panic and chaos among worshippers.
The Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), confirmed the incident through its Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Uba said the explosion took place around 6:00 p.m. while worshippers were engaged in prayers.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the explosion was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device (IED), killing himself and two civilians at the scene,” Uba explained.
Following the blast, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working together with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other security agencies, the Borno State Government, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), quickly responded to the scene.
“The affected area was immediately secured and cordoned off to prevent further harm,” Uba said. “Casualties were evacuated to the General Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for medical care.”
While 32 civilians were injured, two later died in the hospital, raising the total number of civilian deaths to four. Uba noted that two of the injured victims are in critical condition, while the remaining patients are stable and responding to treatment.
The incident has prompted security agencies to tighten measures across Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State, particularly as the festive season approaches, to prevent further attacks.
“The military urges residents to remain calm but vigilant,” Uba said. “People should avoid crowded places when possible and report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies immediately.”
Borno State has been a major hotspot of Boko Haram insurgency and violent extremism in North-East Nigeria for over a decade. While security operations in recent years have restored some stability to the state, attacks on public places, including religious centres and markets, remain a threat.
Gamboru Market, where the explosion occurred, is a busy commercial area that often attracts large numbers of traders, shoppers, and residents. The mosque is a central place of worship for the local community, making it a frequent gathering point during prayer times.
Suicide attacks targeting places of worship and public gatherings have been a common tactic of Boko Haram, which has waged an insurgency in the North-East since 2009. The group has caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
The Nigerian Army, working with the police and other security agencies, has been conducting regular operations under the banner of Operation Hadin Kai to contain the insurgency and protect civilians. The military has also collaborated with international partners to improve intelligence, surveillance, and rapid response in the region.
Lt.-Col. Uba emphasized the importance of community cooperation with security agencies, urging residents to provide timely information on suspicious activities, which can prevent further tragedies.
The Borno State Government has condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of those killed. Authorities have assured the public that all possible measures are being taken to safeguard lives and maintain peace in the state.
In recent months, Maiduguri has witnessed an increased presence of military and police personnel, checkpoints, and surveillance measures in response to intelligence about potential threats during the festive season. These steps are aimed at reassuring residents and preventing further attacks on crowded places such as markets, churches, mosques, and recreational centres.
Civilian vigilance remains a critical part of the security strategy, as the region continues to recover from years of insurgency that destroyed infrastructure, disrupted economic activities, and displaced communities. Local leaders and religious groups have also been engaged in promoting awareness and cooperation with security agencies to strengthen public safety.
Residents of Gamboru Market expressed shock and grief over the attack, while also praising the prompt response of security forces and emergency services. Many called for sustained security efforts, particularly during holidays when public gatherings are common.
“This attack has shaken our community, but we are thankful to the soldiers and police who acted quickly,” said a local trader at the market. “We pray for peace and hope that authorities will prevent such attacks in the future.”
For now, the military has assured the public of continued vigilance and readiness to respond to any security threats. Lt.-Col. Uba reiterated that the protection of civilians and the maintenance of peace remain the top priority of Operation Hadin Kai.