The explosion at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, on Wednesday evening was confirmed by the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) headquarters to have been caused by a suicide bomber.
This information was shared in a statement on Thursday by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer at HQ JTF (NE) OPHK.
The statement revealed that initial investigations suggested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist detonated an improvised explosive device, resulting in his death along with two civilians at the site.
“The troops, along with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other security agencies, the Borno State Government, and NEMA, acted swiftly to secure the area and cordon off the affected site to avert any further danger,” the statement continued.
Lt. Col. Uba also reported that 32 civilians were injured, with two later confirmed deceased in hospitals, while two others are in critical condition.
The rest of the injured individuals are stable and are receiving the necessary medical attention.
He assured residents that their safety is a priority during the festive season, emphasizing that security agencies have heightened surveillance and protective measures throughout Maiduguri and its neighboring areas.