Maiduguri, Nigeria – At least five people were killed and 35 injured after an explosion tore through a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday evening as worshippers gathered for prayers. Witnesses and authorities suspect a suicide bombing.

The blast occurred around 6:00 PM local time (17:00 GMT) in the city’s Gamboru Market area. Police spokesperson Nahum Daso confirmed fragments of a suspected suicide vest were recovered and said investigations are ongoing.

“Preliminary investigations suggest this may have been a suicide attack. Sweeps for secondary devices are underway,” Daso said.

Conflicting Death Toll Reports

Eyewitnesses and local leaders gave varying figures: mosque leader Malam Abuna Yusuf reported at least eight deaths, while militia leader Babakura Kolo said seven. Police confirmed five fatalities and 35 injuries. Witness Musa Yusha’u said many victims were rushed to medical facilities.

Background: Boko Haram and ISWAP

Maiduguri has been at the center of armed rebellions by Boko Haram and ISIL-affiliated ISWAP for nearly two decades. Although violence has decreased since its peak around 2013–2015, northeastern Nigeria remains vulnerable to attacks.

No group has claimed responsibility yet, but suicide bombings in the region are often linked to Boko Haram. The insurgency in northeast Nigeria has killed at least 40,000 people and displaced around two million since 2009. Violence has occasionally spilled over into Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

Despite a relatively calm period in recent years, security concerns are rising due to the potential resurgence of armed groups capable of deadly attacks. Maiduguri itself had not seen a major attack since 2021.