At least five people have been killed and more than 35 injured in a bomb explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, north-eastern Nigeria. The blast occurred during evening prayers in the Gamboru market area, one of the city’s busiest districts, according to local police.

Details of the Mosque Bombing

Police spokesman Nahum Daso confirmed that victims were taken to the Borno State Specialist Hospital for treatment. While casualty numbers are still being verified, the explosion caused widespread panic in the crowded area.

Unverified footage circulating on social media shows people amid dust and debris, highlighting the chaos following the blast. No group has claimed responsibility, but militant Islamist groups, including Boko Haram and its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have a history of targeting mosques, markets, and other crowded public spaces in north-east Nigeria.

Boko Haram and ISWAP Insurgency in Borno

Maiduguri has long been a central hub in the insurgency launched by Boko Haram in 2009, as the group attempted to establish an Islamic caliphate in the region. Over the past 16 years, the city and surrounding areas have experienced repeated attacks from militants, including suicide bombings, IEDs, and raids on civilians.

Despite ongoing military operations and increased security measures by the Nigerian government, sporadic attacks continue to put civilians at risk, demonstrating the persistent challenges in countering extremist violence in the north-east.

Security forces are investigating the explosion and working to determine how the bomb was planted and whether any accomplices remain at large. Authorities continue to urge locals to report suspicious activity as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Nigeria.

Impact on the Community

The mosque bombing has further heightened fear among residents in Borno state, where civilians have endured years of insurgent attacks. Many worshippers have expressed concerns about attending crowded places, particularly during religious gatherings.

Officials have condemned the attack and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting civilians while intensifying operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP militants. The government has also called on international partners for support in tackling the insurgency and preventing further loss of life.