Borno Police Deploy 1,000 Officers Amid Christmas Security Measures Following Mosque Bombing
The Borno State Police Command has deployed over 1,000 officers across Maiduguri to secure major streets, flashpoints, and places of worship as Christians celebrate Christmas. The heightened security follows a bomb blast at Al-Adum Mosque in Gamboru Market on Wednesday evening that killed five people and injured 35 others.
The explosion occurred around 6 p.m., when worshippers had gathered for prayers. Speaking to PUNCH Online on Thursday, Borno Police spokesperson Nahum Daso said the incident prompted intensified security arrangements despite existing measures.
He stated, “There will be full domination of security personnel at churches, recreational centres, and strategic locations where large gatherings are expected. This is a joint operation with all emergency and security response teams, and we have over 1,000 personnel deployed across Maiduguri.”
Daso urged residents to remain vigilant while going about their lawful activities. “Members of the public should be mindful of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately using designated emergency numbers,” he said.
The police also announced that screening measures would be enforced at worship centres, including churches and mosques. “Any individual entering churches or mosques must be properly scanned before gaining access,” Daso added.
Earlier, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the mosque attack, describing it as “inhumane and barbaric.” In a statement released by his media aide, Dauda Iliya, Zulum called for increased vigilance and stricter security at places of worship during the festive season.
The governor said, “I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack during Maghrib prayers, which claimed five lives and injured 35 others. Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of its sanctity.”
Zulum extended condolences to the victims’ families, prayed for the recovery of the injured, and reassured residents that adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent further incidents during
