The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the recent bomb blast at Al-Adum Jummat Mosque in the Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri was carried out by the Boko Haram terrorist group.
At least five people were reported dead, while 35 others were injured when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the mosque during the evening Maghrib prayer session on Wednesday.
In an update on Thursday, Theatre Command spokesman Lt. Col. Sani Uba stated that investigations identified a Boko Haram terrorist as responsible for the attack.
“Preliminary findings indicate the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians on the scene,” Lt. Col. Uba said.
He added that troops, in coordination with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other security agencies, the Borno State Government, and NEMA, responded quickly to secure and cordon off the affected area to prevent further harm.
Lt. Col. Uba confirmed that casualties were evacuated to the General Hospital and Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri. “Two of the injured civilians later died at the hospital, while two others remain in critical condition. The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving medical care,” he said.
Following the attack, Vice-President Kashim Shettima revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State. Additional tactical teams have been deployed to track down and apprehend those responsible.
Condemning the attack, Shettima described it as “a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.” He affirmed that the Federal Government is working closely with Borno State authorities and local security agencies to protect vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North East.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation,” Shettima said, adding that security agencies are working round the clock to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Vice-President extended condolences to the Borno State Government, residents, and families of the victims, assuring that those responsible will face the full weight of the law.
He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security, emphasizing continued support and resources for security agencies to combat terrorism in all its forms.
The bombing is the latest in a series of attacks in Nigeria’s northern region, where Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province, have killed thousands and displaced millions since 2009, according to the United Nations.
