A tragic suicide bomb attack at the Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque in the Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, during evening prayers, resulted in the deaths of at least five worshippers and injured approximately 32 others. The incident, which occurred around 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, sent shockwaves through the community, already grappling with heightened security concerns in Nigeria’s northeast.

Initial reports from police indicated that a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device inside the mosque. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as victims were swiftly rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital for urgent medical attention. A market leader, Masta Dalori, expressed the shock and confusion among congregants, stating, “Nobody knows what happened. It was during prayers that the bomb exploded. Allah has destined that this will happen, but nobody can give details of how it happened.”

The headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian Army, later confirmed that investigations revealed the explosion was indeed carried out by a Boko Haram terrorist suicide bomber. Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Theatre Command spokesman, detailed that preliminary findings indicated the bomber killed himself and two civilians at the scene. He further clarified that two of the injured civilians later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, bringing the total civilian death toll to five, while two others remained in critical condition and the rest were stable and receiving care.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum swiftly condemned the attack, labeling it “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.” In a public statement, he called for increased vigilance in places of worship and public areas, particularly during the festive season. Governor Zulum emphasized the gravity of the assault, stating, “Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of its sanctity at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship,” and extended condolences to the bereaved families while offering prayers for the recovery of the injured.

Following the blast, bomb disposal teams from the police, in conjunction with troops, the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other security agencies, the Borno State Government, and NEMA, promptly secured and cordoned off the affected area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety. Lt. Col. Uba assured residents that security forces have intensified surveillance and security measures across Maiduguri and its environs to enhance safety during the ongoing festive period, as investigations into the attack continue. This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Islamist insurgents like Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction, which have waged a 15-year campaign of violence targeting civilians, mosques, and markets in the region.