At least four people have lost their lives and 14 others sustained injuries following a bomb explosion inside Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque at Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, during Maghrib prayers on Wednesday evening.
ASP Nahum Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, confirmed the fatalities at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and said efforts were ongoing to ascertain the condition of those receiving treatment in other facilities.
“I am currently driving to all the scenes involved in the incident. I will provide the complete number of casualties later. But for now, we have confirmed four dead and about 14 injured,” Daso told The Nation.
The police have cordoned off the area, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams are conducting thorough sweeps to prevent further incidents. Daso urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while investigations continue.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing security operatives at the scene conducting rescue and search operations. One resident, who requested anonymity, said, “Security agents are currently in our community conducting searches, and rescue operations are ongoing.”
The explosion comes amid intensified security measures in the region. On the same day, troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Enduring Peace disrupted a gunrunning syndicate in Vom community, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, arresting three suspects and seizing locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, ammunition, knives, and mobile phones. One officer was injured during resistance from local youths and women, who reportedly obstructed the operation.
Maj. Samson Zhakom, JTF spokesman, stated, “The arrested suspects and recovered arms and ammunition are currently in our custody for further investigation. Troops are conducting follow-up operations to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate and prevent any regrouping.”
The statement further warned against obstruction of security personnel, noting that such actions constitute serious security breaches and would attract prosecution under extant laws.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, called for heightened vigilance as residents celebrate Christmas. In his message on Wednesday, Wike urged citizens to report any suspicious activity and emphasised the importance of sharing goodwill and fostering peace during the festive period.
“Christmas is a season of joy, giving, sharing, and good neighbourliness. I felicitate with Christians in the FCT and urge them to use the occasion for sober reflection, sharing goodwill, and fostering harmony and prosperity,” Wike said.
He also commended FCT residents for their cooperation throughout 2025 and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, partners, stakeholders, and FCT Administration staff for contributing to infrastructural and social developments across the territory.
