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, said the four fatalities were confirmed at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, while efforts were ongoing to determine the condition of those taken to other medical facilities.
“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. In an earlier statement, Daso urged residents to remain calm, noting that police Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel were carrying out operations following the suspected explosion at about 6:00 pm during prayers. He said the area had been cordoned off to ensure public safety, while investigations were ongoing.
Eyewitnesses confirmed a heavy presence of security agents in the area. One resident, who requested anonymity, said security personnel were conducting searches in the community as rescue operations continued.
The incident occurred amid heightened security concerns across parts of the country. 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 of Plateau State, arresting three suspects and recovering arms and ammunition.
The spokesman for the Joint Task Force, Maj. Samson Zhakom said in a statement that the raid, carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, led to the recovery of two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, one round of 7.62mm special ammunition, two knives, and three mobile phones.
According to him, the operation was met with resistance from local youths and women 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 radiator of a Hilux vehicle 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,” Zhakom said.
The statement warned residents against obstructing troops in the performance of their lawful duties, describing such actions as serious security breaches that would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
