The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Boko Haram insurgents were responsible for the bomb explosion at a mosque located within Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The attack, carried out by a suicide bomber, left five worshippers dead and 35 others injured during Maghrib prayers on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, December 25, by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK). He said security had been reinforced across Maiduguri and its environs following the incident.
According to the statement, the explosion occurred at about 6:00 p.m. while Muslim worshippers were observing evening prayers at the mosque within Gamboru Market in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the blast was caused by a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians instantly.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, 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 scene. The area was secured and cordoned off to prevent further casualties.
Victims of the attack were evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for urgent medical attention. While 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries, two of them later died in hospital. Two others remain in critical condition, while the rest are said to be stable and receiving treatment.
The military said surveillance and security operations have since been intensified within Maiduguri and surrounding communities, urging residents to remain calm but vigilant, especially during the yuletide season.
Members of the public were also advised to be alert to suspicious movements, particularly involving teenagers, avoid crowded places, and exercise extra caution at religious centres. Citizens were encouraged to promptly report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies.
Operation Hadin Kai expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and reassured the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property.