Nigerian Army has confirmed a deadly explosion at a mosque inside Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, during evening prayers on Tuesday, an attack that left four civilians dead and at least 32 others injured.
The incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. while worshippers were observing Maghrib prayers, according to the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said preliminary investigations pointed to a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device inside the mosque.
“Preliminary findings indicated that the explosion was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians at the scene,” Uba said.
He explained that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working 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), moved swiftly to contain the situation.
“The affected area was immediately secured and cordoned off to prevent further harm and ensure public safety, while casualties were evacuated to the General Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for medical attention,” he added.
Uba disclosed that although 32 civilians initially survived the blast with varying degrees of injuries, two later died at the hospital, bringing the total number of civilian fatalities to four.
He noted that two other victims were in critical condition, while the remaining injured persons were stable and responding to treatment.
In response to the attack, the OPHK spokesman said security agencies had intensified surveillance and security measures across Maiduguri and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents, especially during the yuletide season.
He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, avoid crowded locations and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security post.
Uba also advised the public to watch out for unusual movements around religious centres and markets, while expressing condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
He reassured residents of the North-East of the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that efforts to rid the region of terrorist threats remain firmly on course.