Suicide Bombing Hits Maiduguri Mosque, Leaves Multiple Dead and Injured

The Nigerian military has confirmed that the explosion that rocked a mosque within Gamboru Market in Maiduguri on Wednesday evening was caused by a suicide bomber linked to Boko Haram.

According to the Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the blast occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on December 24, 2025, within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council area. The Theatre Command’s spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said preliminary investigations revealed that a suspected Boko Haram terrorist carried out the attack by detonating an improvised explosive device.

The suicide bomber was killed instantly in the explosion, alongside two civilians at the scene. Several others were injured in what authorities described as a coordinated act of terror targeting innocent worshippers during the festive period.

Lt. Col. Uba explained that troops, working alongside the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, other security agencies, the Borno State Government, and officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, swiftly responded to the incident. The affected area was immediately secured and cordoned off to prevent further danger and allow emergency operations to proceed safely.

Victims of the blast were rushed to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for urgent medical attention. In total, 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries. Sadly, two of those injured later died at the hospital, while two others remain in critical condition. The remaining victims are said to be stable and responding to treatment.

In the aftermath of the attack, the military assured residents of Maiduguri that security has been reinforced across the city and surrounding areas. Surveillance and patrols have been intensified to ensure the safety of citizens, especially during the festive season.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless act of violence that will not weaken Nigeria’s resolve to confront insecurity. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said the Federal Government remains determined to protect lives and property.

He assured Nigerians that security agencies are actively working to track down and apprehend those responsible, stressing that the government will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt peace and stability in the country.

The incident has once again highlighted the lingering security challenges in the North-East, even as authorities reaffirm their commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace to the region.