The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the explosion which occurred at a mosque in Borno State on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, was carried out by a Boko Haram suicide attacker.
The incident took place at the Al-Adum Juma’at Mosque in the Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council during the evening Maghrib prayer, leading to several casualties.
Giving an update on Thursday, the spokesman of the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, stated that initial investigations showed that the attack was launched by a suspected Boko Haram militant.
“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,” Uba said.
He noted that security operatives reacted promptly to the attack and worked with emergency responders to manage the situation and stop further loss of lives.
“The troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other sister security agencies, the Borno State Government, and NEMA, responded promptly, securing and cordoning off the affected area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety,” he added.
The army stated that victims of the blast were immediately transported to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for urgent medical treatment.
Lt. Col. Uba confirmed that 32 civilians suffered different levels of injuries in the explosion.
“Two of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are currently in critical condition, The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving appropriate medical care,” he said.
Earlier reports had suggested that no fewer than five people lost their lives, while many others sustained injuries as a result of the blast.
Reassuring residents of continued protection, the spokesman of the Theatre Command said that troops and other security agencies have increased surveillance and patrol activities across Maiduguri and surrounding areas, especially during the festive season.
He appealed to members of the public to stay calm and alert, while cooperating with security personnel as efforts continue to safeguard lives and property across the state.
