Deadly Explosion Targets Worshippers During Evening Prayers
A suspected suicide bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, Nigeria, has left five people dead and 35 others injured, according to local authorities. The attack occurred on Wednesday evening during Maghrib prayers at a mosque in the Gomboru Market area of Borno State's capital city.
Police spokesperson for Borno State confirmed that fragments of what appeared to be a suicide vest were found at the scene, indicating the likely method of the attack. 'We have recovered evidence suggesting this was a suicide bombing targeting innocent worshippers,' the spokesperson told reporters.
Governor's Strong Condemnation
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum issued a strong statement condemning the attack, describing it as 'barbaric, inhumane, and a grave assault on religious sanctity.' The governor expressed condolences to the families of victims and called for heightened security measures around places of worship.
'Attacking a place of worship desecrates its very purpose as a sanctuary for peace and spiritual reflection,' Zulum stated. He urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly during the festive period, and announced that the state government was working with security agencies to prevent further breaches.
Ongoing Security Crisis in Northeast Nigeria
The attack highlights the persistent security challenges in Nigeria's northeastern region, where jihadist groups including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been active for over 15 years. According to security analysis reports, Nigeria is experiencing a severe resurgence of jihadist violence, with over 100 people killed in April 2025 alone.
The conflict has claimed more than 40,000 lives and displaced 2 million people since 2009, when Boko Haram launched its insurgency. Founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2002, the group has splintered into factions, with ISWAP emerging as a particularly lethal offshoot.
Recent Pattern of Violence
This latest attack follows a pattern of violence targeting religious and civilian sites. In August 2025, a mosque and nearby homes were attacked by armed men in Katsina State, resulting in 50 deaths according to local officials. Just last month, a devastating attack on Daral-Jamal community in Borno State left 63 people dead, including 5 soldiers and 58 civilians.
Security experts note that despite government claims of progress against insurgent groups, attacks continue to occur with alarming frequency. 'The tactical evolution of these groups, including their use of improved weaponry like drones and IEDs, combined with weak governance in rural areas, has created a perfect storm for continued violence,' explained a regional security analyst who requested anonymity.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The violence exacerbates an already severe humanitarian crisis in the region. A UN OCHA situation report projects that 51 of 62 local government areas in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states will face serious or critical malnutrition levels during the 2026 lean season, up from 31 in 2024.
Heavy rains, seasonal floods, and limited access to farmland have reduced harvests and increased disease outbreaks like cholera and malaria, further compromising the health of vulnerable populations. Northern Nigeria has some of the country's highest maternal mortality rates, with 1,848 maternal deaths per 100,000 births in the northeast region.
Regional Security Cooperation Challenges
The security situation is complicated by weakening regional cooperation. Niger's withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force and Chad's threat to pull out have undermined coordinated efforts against cross-border militant activities. This has allowed jihadist groups to operate more freely across the Sahel region.
While no group has claimed responsibility for Wednesday's mosque attack, security officials point to the modus operandi of Boko Haram, which has carried out numerous suicide bombings targeting religious sites in the past. The group's ideology, as articulated by founder Mohammed Yusuf, rejects Western education and seeks to establish a strict Islamic state in northern Nigeria.
As emergency services continue to treat the wounded and investigate the attack, residents of Maiduguri remain on edge, wondering when the next strike might occur in a region that has known little peace for over a decade and a half.