The Nigerian on Thursday said a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber targeted a mosque in the Gamboru Market area on Tuesday evening, leaving at least five people dead and dozens injured during a period of heightened holiday security.
The attack occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. on December 24, as worshippers gathered for evening prayers.
According to a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) inside the crowded mosque.
He said the immediate blast killed the attacker and two civilians on the scene. Emergency responders from the Nigerian Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, NEMA, and state health officials evacuated 32 injured civilians to local hospitals.
Military officials later confirmed that two of those injured succumbed to their wounds at the hospital, bringing the total civilian death toll to four. Two other victims remain in critical condition, while the rest are reported to be stable.
In the wake of the explosion, security forces cordoned off the market to prevent further incidents. Operation HADIN KAI has since intensified surveillance across the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and surrounding regions.
The military issued a stern advisory to the public, particularly as the region enters the peak of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Residents have been urged to:
- Maintain high levels of vigilance in crowded areas.
- Exercise extra caution at religious centers, including churches.
- Monitor for suspicious behavior, specifically noting the potential use of teenagers by insurgent groups.
“OPHK commiserates with the families of the deceased and assures the public of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property,” Lt. Col. Uba stated, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security post immediately.
The attack serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by remnants of insurgent groups in the Northeast, despite ongoing military offensives to stabilize the region.
