By Cross Udo, with agency report
The Nigerian military has confirmed that the deadly blast at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, on Tuesday evening, December 24, 2025, was carried out by a suicide bomber.
In a statement issued by the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai, its spokesman, Sani Uba, said preliminary investigations established that a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device inside the mosque around 6:00 pm.
The explosion instantly killed the bomber and two civilians at the scene, while dozens of worshippers were injured during the attack, which occurred as prayers were ongoing within the busy market area.
According to the military, troops, working alongside the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, other security agencies, the Borno State Government, and the National Emergency Management Agency, swiftly moved in to secure and cordon off the area to prevent further casualties and restore calm.
The injured victims were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The army disclosed that 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries, adding that two of them later died in the hospital, while two others remain in critical condition. The remaining victims are said to be stable and responding to medical care.
Assuring residents of sustained protection during the festive period, the military said surveillance and security operations have since been intensified across Maiduguri and adjoining communities.
*Northern governors condemn Maiduguri mosque attack
Meanwhile, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has condemned the suicide attack at the Gomboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.
The Chairman of the Forum, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who made the commendation on behalf of his colleagues, sympathised with the victims of the attack.
Yahaya, in a statement on Thursday in Gombe, by his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, described the attack as a barbaric, dastardly and cowardly act aimed at instilling fear and undermining peace.
He expressed sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the Government and people of Borno.
He described the targeting of a place of worship as a grave violation of human conscience and religious sanctity, stressing that such acts only reinforce the resolve of the region to stand united against terrorism and violent extremism.
Yahaya called for enhanced security measures, particularly around places of worship and public spaces, especially during festive periods when large gatherings are common.
He assured the people of Borno of the Northern Governors’ solidarity and full support as security agencies intensify efforts to prevent further attacks.
“We pray that Almighty Allah grants eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus to the souls of those who lost their lives, comforts their families, and grants speedy recovery to the injured.”
He also prayed for continued strength and wisdom for the leadership of Borno under Gov. Babagana Zulum as it confronts security challenges with courage and resilience.
He reiterated the collective determination of Northern States to work together in support of peace, security, and the protection of innocent lives, stressing that acts of terror would not break the spirit or unity of the region.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Wednesday evening attack during Maghrib prayers claimed the lives of five worshippers and left at least 35 others injured.
A suspected suicide bomber reportedly infiltrated the mosque at the height of the prayers, turning a sacred moment of devotion into a scene of grief and anguish.
*Tinubu orders immediate security intensification
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has condemned in strong terms the bomb explosion that claimed about five lives and left several others injured at a Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the attack as a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.
Senator Shettima said President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following the incident.
In a statement on Thursday, issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President condemned the attack, assuring that the Federal Government is deploying additional tactical teams to the area to track down and apprehend those responsible for the terror attack.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately,” he said.
Shettima expressed confidence that the security architecture currently in place would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We sympathise with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law,” VP Shettima said.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security, anchored in constitutional duty, remains unwavering.
“Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, this administration has consistently reaffirmed its unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.
“This commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to defeat terrorism in all its forms decisively,” he affirmed.
The Vice President added that the Federal Government is working closely with state authorities and local security agencies to ensure protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North East and other regions.
