The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the explosion which ripped through a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday evening was a suicide attack carried out by a Boko Haram terrorist.
The blast occurred on December 24, 2025, at the Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque, located in the Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, during the Maghrib prayer session.
Initial reports had indicated that at least five people were killed, while dozens sustained injuries in the incident.
Read also: Zulum condemns Maiduguri mosque suicide attack, calls for heightened security
In an update on Thursday, the Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai said investigations had established that the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber affiliated with the Boko Haram terrorist group.
Sani Uba, theatre Command spokesperson, said preliminary findings showed that the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device inside the mosque, killing himself and two civilians instantly.
“Preliminary findings indicate the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians on the scene,” the statement noted.
It explained that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working alongside the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, other security agencies, the Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency, swiftly moved to the scene following the explosion.
According to Army, the area was immediately secured and cordoned off to prevent further casualties and ensure public safety, while emergency responders began evacuating victims.
It said all casualties were taken to the General Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The statement confirmed that 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries as a result of the blast.
“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”, Army said.
The army spokesperson assured residents of Maiduguri and its environs that security had been reinforced, particularly during the festive period.
“Troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified surveillance, patrols and intelligence-led operations within the city and surrounding areas to forestall further attacks”, it added.
Army urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by promptly reporting any suspicious movements or activities, as efforts continue to degrade the operational capacity of terrorist groups in the North-East.
