Vice President Kashim Shettima has strongly condemned the bomb explosion that rocked Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, during prayers on Wednesday evening, describing the attack as a “despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.” The incident, which occurred at the Al Adum Juma’at Mosque around 6:00pm on December 24, 2025, has been linked to a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Vice President disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following the attack. He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is deploying additional tactical teams to track down and apprehend those responsible.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation,” Shettima said. “Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately.”
The Vice President expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture, saying it would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident. He extended condolences to the victims and the people of Borno State.
“We sympathise with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack,” Shettima said. “The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law.”
Shettima reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security, stressing that it remains unwavering. “Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, this administration has consistently reaffirmed its unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation,” he said. “This commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to decisively defeat terrorism in all its forms.”
He added that the Federal Government is working closely with state authorities and local security agencies to protect vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North East and other regions, particularly during the festive season.
Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, has confirmed that the explosion was carried out by a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device (IED), killing himself and civilians at the scene. According to the task force, the initial blast claimed the lives of two civilians on the spot, while others were injured.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other security agencies, the Borno State Government, and NEMA, swiftly responded to the incident. The affected area was secured and cordoned off to prevent further harm, while casualties were evacuated to the General Hospital and Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for treatment.
Security authorities reported that 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries. Tragically, two of the injured later died at the hospital, bringing the confirmed civilian death toll to four, while two others remain in critical condition. The remaining victims are said to be stable and receiving medical care.
In a separate update, police authorities confirmed that ongoing sweeping operations are being conducted by EOD personnel, with the mosque area still cordoned off as investigations continue. Surveillance and security measures have since been intensified within Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
Operation Hadin Kai commiserated with the families of the deceased and reassured the public of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property. Members of the public have been urged to remain calm, vigilant, and security-conscious, especially during the yuletide period, as security operations remain ongoing across the state.
