Nigeria: Explosion Kills at Least Seven in Maiduguri Mosque

Nigeria: Explosion Kills at Least Seven in Maiduguri Mosque
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At least seven worshippers were killed in an explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, on Wednesday, France 24 reported. Witnesses and security sources described the blast as occurring inside the mosque located in the city’s Gamboru market during evening prayers around 6:00 pm (1700 GMT).

No group has claimed responsibility, though anti-jihadist militia leader Babakura Kolo described the incident as a suspected bombing, possibly detonated inside the mosque. Some witnesses suggested it may have involved a suicide bomber. Officials have not yet released a formal casualty count, while eyewitnesses reported multiple victims being taken for medical treatment.

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, has long been affected by jihadist insurgencies, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, though the city has not experienced a major attack in recent years. Despite a reduction in violence since the peak of the conflict, the insurgency continues to affect surrounding regions, displacing millions and causing tens of thousands of deaths since 2009.

Authorities confirmed an explosive ordnance disposal team was on-site, and NGOs warned staff to avoid the market area. While Maiduguri remains relatively calm compared with rural areas, security measures such as military patrols and evening checkpoints continue to operate, reflecting ongoing concerns about potential insurgent attacks.