BREAKING: Explosion rocks mosque in Maiduguri during evening prayers; casualties feared

By Isaac Joseph Inyang

An explosion ripped through a mosque in the crowded Gamboru Ward area of Maiduguri on Wednesday evening, causing panic and fear as worshippers were gathered for the Maghrib (evening) prayer service, local authorities and eyewitnesses have confirmed.

Preliminary reports indicate that a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) detonated at the Juma’at Mosque near the Customs area of Gamboru Ward around 6:10 p.m. local time. At the time of the blast, a significant number of Muslim worshippers were inside the mosque observing Maghrib prayers.

Eyewitnesses told journalists that the blast was powerful and caused parts of the mosque structure to collapse. Traders, residents, and worshippers fled the immediate area in panic as thick smoke billowed from the scene. Emergency responders and security operatives arrived shortly afterward, with security personnel cordoning off the area to allow rescue efforts and preliminary assessment to begin.

As of this report, official casualty figures have not been released by any government or security agency. Multiple sources indicate that several worshippers were either killed or seriously injured, though precise numbers remain unconfirmed. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as people attempted to rescue the wounded and remove the bodies from the debris.

The Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, told Channels Television that he was en route to the scene to verify details of the blast but had not yet confirmed official figures or the precise cause.

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Security analysts have linked the attack to ongoing insurgency activity in northeastern Nigeria, particularly by Boko Haram and affiliated extremist factions, which have carried out similar bombings and IED attacks in the region over many years. Borno State, including Maiduguri, remains under frequent threat from such groups despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

The blast has heightened fears among residents, particularly as it occurred on Christmas Eve, a period when both Muslim and Christian communities are on heightened alert due to the holiday season and increased public gatherings.

Security forces are expected to issue an official statement once they complete their assessment, and hospitals across Maiduguri are reportedly preparing to receive and treat the injured.

Local and federal authorities have urged calm as investigations continue and emergency services carry out search-and-rescue operations.