At least five people were killed and 35 others injured following an explosion at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday.

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on December 24, 2025, saying it received a report of an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion at about 6:00 p.m. at Al-Adum Juma’at Mosque while worshippers were observing prayers.

The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, on behalf of the command.

According to the police, the affected area was immediately cordoned off to ensure public safety and allow emergency responders to carry out rescue operations.

The command said it activated a joint rescue and emergency response under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other security agencies.

Police confirmed that five people lost their lives, while 35 others sustained varying degrees of injuries during the incident.

The injured victims were evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri for medical treatment.

Preliminary findings, according to the police, suggest that the incident may have been a suicide bombing, based on fragments of a suspected suicide vest recovered at the scene and witness accounts.

The Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit has continued sweeping operations in and around the area to rule out the presence of any secondary explosive devices.

The police said normalcy has been restored but advised members of the public to remain calm, avoid the affected area, and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information, adding that further updates will be communicated as investigations continue.

Source: Sahara Reporters