The Nigerian Army confirmed Thursday that Boko Haram insurgents carried out a deadly suicide bombing at Gamboru Juma’at Mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, during Wednesday evening prayers. The attack killed five worshippers and injured 35 others when an explosive device was detonated inside the mosque during Maghrib prayers. Operation Hadin Kai headquarters identified the perpetrator as a suspected Boko Haram terrorist who died in the blast.
Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Theatre Command spokesman, stated that casualties were evacuated to General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for urgent medical care. “Preliminary findings indicate the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians on the scene,” Uba said. Two additional victims later died at the hospital, while two others remain in critical condition.
Security forces, including troops and the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded immediately to secure the area alongside NEMA and Borno State Government officials. Uba disclosed that 32 civilians sustained varying injuries, with the remaining patients now stable and receiving medical treatment. The military assured Maiduguri residents of intensified surveillance and security operations throughout the festive season across the North-East region.