The military high command in the North-East has confirmed a deadly explosion at the Gamboru Market in Maiduguri on Tuesday evening, urging residents to heighten their security awareness, particularly during the festive season.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. on December 24, 2025, targeted a mosque within the market as Muslim faithful were observing evening prayers.
In a press statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), preliminary investigations indicate the blast was caused by a suspected Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber. The attacker detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), killing himself instantly.
The explosion resulted in significant civilian casualties. Two individuals were killed at the scene, and a total of 32 others sustained varying degrees of injury.
Tragically, two of the injured later succumbed to their wounds at the hospital, raising the civilian death toll to four. Two victims remain in critical condition, while the others are reported to be stable and receiving appropriate medical care.
Security forces, including troops of Operation HADIN KAI, the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other sister agencies, and officials from the Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), responded promptly to the scene.
The area was swiftly secured and cordoned off to prevent further harm and facilitate emergency operations. All casualties were evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for urgent medical attention.
In the wake of the attack, OPHK has intensified surveillance and security measures across Maiduguri and its environs. The command, while commiserating with the families of the deceased, issued a strong advisory to the public.
Citizens are advised to remain calm but extremely security-conscious. The public is urged to:
· Be vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities, “especially teenagers with suspicious looks,” to the nearest security post immediately.
· Avoid crowded places where possible.
· Maintain extra vigilance at religious and social gatherings, particularly at churches during the ongoing yuletide period.
“The public is also urged to be on the look out for teenagers with suspicious looks,” the statement reiterated, highlighting a specific concern from the security forces.
Operation HADIN KAI reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the region, vowing to continue its operations against terrorist elements.
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