A tragic bomb blast occurred at a Juma’at Mosque in Gamboru Ward, Maiduguri, around 6:10 p.m. on December 24, 2025, during the Maghrib prayer, resulting in numerous casualties.

According to reports from local residents, many worshippers were either killed or injured by the explosion caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly detonated by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. Preliminary investigations by the Police Public Relations Officer in Borno State, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed five fatalities and around 35 injuries.

This incident has heightened fear among the community, particularly as the Christian population prepares for Christmas celebrations. Security forces cordoned off the area to prevent further incidents and to conduct an assessment.

Nigeria has been contending with a jihadist insurgency since 2009, a conflict that has led to at least 40,000 deaths and displaced around two million people in the northeast, according to the United Nations. Although the violence has significantly decreased since its peak, concerns remain about the insurgents’ ability to stage attacks.

Maiduguri, which has seen relative calm in recent years following extensive military operations, was last hit by a major attack in 2021. The persistent military presence in the area serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict, with analysts warning of potential increases in jihadist violence in the near future.