Security personnel at Gamboru market mosque
By Abdullahi Abubakar
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a deadly explosion rocked a mosque inside Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday evening, killing four civilians and injuring at least 32 others.
The incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. during Maghrib prayers, according to the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
In a statement released on Wednesday, the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said preliminary investigations pointed to a Boko Haram suicide bomber as the cause of the blast.
Uba explained that the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) inside the mosque, killing himself and two worshippers instantly. Two other victims later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, bringing the civilian death toll to four.
Following the explosion, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other security agencies, the Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), swiftly moved to the scene.
“The affected area was immediately secured and cordoned off to prevent further harm and ensure public safety,” Uba said. “Casualties were evacuated to the General Hospital, Maiduguri, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent medical care.”
Of the 32 civilians injured in the attack, two remain in critical condition, while others are reported to be stable and responding to treatment.
In response to the incident, security agencies have intensified surveillance and patrols across Maiduguri and surrounding areas, particularly as the yuletide season approaches.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, avoid overcrowded locations and promptly report suspicious movements or persons to security authorities.
Lt.-Col. Uba also advised worshippers to be especially alert around religious centres and other public spaces, noting that proactive public cooperation remains vital to preventing further attacks.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reassured residents of the military’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property across the North-East.
The attack is a grim reminder of the persistent security challenges in the region, even as military operations continue to degrade terrorist networks and restore lasting peace.
