Suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday evening detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at a Juma’at Mosque in Gamboru Ward, near the Customs area of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The explosion reportedly occurred at about 6:10 p.m. during the Maghrib prayer, when worshippers were gathered inside the mosque.
Residents in the area told reporters that the blast caused multiple casualties, with fears that several worshippers may have been killed or injured. However, official confirmation of the number of casualties was still pending as of press time.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Borno State, ASP Nahum Daso, said he could not immediately confirm the incident, adding that he was en route to the scene to assess the situation.
Following the explosion, security operatives cordoned off the area to prevent further casualties and to allow for preliminary investigations.
The incident has heightened anxiety among residents of Maiduguri, particularly as religious activities increase ahead of the 2025 Christmas celebrations.
