Four killed, 14 injured in Borno mosque bombing

At least four people have been confirmed dead, and 14 others injured after a bomb exploded inside Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, during the Maghrib prayer on Wednesday evening.

The spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, told The PUNCH that the four fatalities were confirmed at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, while efforts are ongoing to ascertain the condition of those taken to other hospitals.

“I am currently driving to all the scenes involved in the incident. I will provide the complete number of casualties later. But for now, we have confirmed four dead and about 14 injured,” Daso said.

Security operatives have commenced sweeping operations around Gamboru Market, the scene of the explosion.

Daso earlier issued a statement urging calm, saying: “Ongoing sweeping operations by police EOD personnel are in place following a suspected explosion at Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque in Gamboru Market today at about 1800 hours during prayers. The area has been cordoned off to ensure public safety, and investigations are ongoing. Members of the public are advised to remain calm and vigilant.”

Eyewitnesses confirmed the presence of security agents at the scene.

One source, who asked not to be identified, said, “Security agents are currently in our community conducting searches, and rescue operations are ongoing.”

The bomb explosion occurred amid heightened security concerns in the region. Separately on Wednesday, troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace disrupted a gunrunning syndicate in Vom community, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, arresting three suspects and recovering two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, ammunition, knives, and mobile phones.

One officer was injured during resistance from local youths and women.

The spokesman for the JTF, Maj. Samson Zhakom, confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a statement on Wednesday.

According to him, the troops recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one round of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, two knives, and three mobile phones during the raid, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday.

Zhakom, however, added that the operation was met with resistance from misguided women and youths who blocked the road, fired at the troops, and pelted personnel and operational vehicles with stones.

He added that one officer sustained injuries, while the  Hilux vehicle radiator and the windscreen of a gun truck were damaged before the situation was brought under control.

“The arrested suspects and recovered arms and ammunition are currently in our custody for further investigation, while troops are conducting follow-up operations to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate and to forestall any attempt at re-grouping,” he said.

The statement warned against obstruction of troops in the performance of their lawful duties.

“While the cooperation of law-abiding citizens is indispensable to the success of ongoing security operations, individuals and groups are hereby warned against obstructing troops in the performance of their lawful duties, as such actions constitute serious security breaches and will be dealt with in accordance with extant laws.

“Together, through vigilance, discipline, and collective responsibility, enduring peace and stability will continue to be consolidated across Plateau State and beyond.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called for vigilance as residents celebrate Christmas today,

“Please report any suspicious activities within your environment to the security agencies. Be assured that the FCT Administration is doing its best to ensure the security of lives and property throughout the festive period and beyond,” the minister said in his Christmas message on Wednesday.

Wike described the period as one of joy, giving, and sober reflection. He called on Christians in the FCT to share goodwill with fellow residents to sustain harmony and prosperity in the nation’s capital.

“Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. All over the world, it is a season of joy, giving, sharing, and good neighbourliness,” Wike said. “I felicitate with Christians in the FCT as they celebrate Christmas and urge them to see the period as one of sober reflection, sharing goodwill towards fellow residents, thereby fostering peace, harmony, and prosperity in the capital. I enjoin our Christian residents to use the occasion to reflect and rededicate themselves to the virtues of love, unity, and peace, which are the enduring messages of Jesus Christ.”

The minister also urged residents to pray for Nigeria and its leaders, expressing hope that the country would experience greater peace and progress in the coming years.

Wike used the occasion to thank FCT residents for their cooperation and support throughout 2025, noting that the year had seen significant developments across key sectors.

“It is an indisputable fact that monumental developments have taken place in the last 12 months in every sector. Schools have been renovated, hospitals staffed and equipped, roads and bridges constructed across all area councils, the judiciary supported, and security enhanced. It has indeed been a year of remarkable achievements, and we thank residents for their cooperation,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support for the development of the FCT, as well as to partners, stakeholders, and FCT Administration staff for their contributions. Wike reassured residents that the administration would remain committed to providing infrastructure and essential services with the greatest positive impact on their lives.(Punch)