Thursday, December 25, 2025 - The Borno State Police Command has intensified security operations across Maiduguri and other key areas of the state, deploying more than 1,000 police officers ahead of Christmas celebrations, following a deadly bomb explosion at a mosque that claimed five lives and left at least 35 others injured.
The blast occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the
Al-Adum Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, while worshippers were gathered
for evening prayers.
Confirming the development in an interview on Thursday, the
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Nahum Daso, said the incident
prompted an expansion of existing security measures to prevent further attacks
and reassure residents during the festive period.
“Although security arrangements were already in place, what
happened yesterday has made it necessary to intensify our operations,” Daso
said.
“There will be full deployment of security personnel to
churches, recreational centres, and other strategic locations where large
gatherings are expected.”
He explained that the operation is being carried out jointly
by the police and other security and emergency response agencies, with officers
positioned at major roads, flashpoints, and public facilities across Maiduguri.
“It is a coordinated effort involving all relevant security
agencies,” Daso added. “Over 1,000 police personnel have been deployed within
the metropolis to ensure public safety.”
The police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm and
go about their lawful activities while maintaining a high level of vigilance,
stressing the importance of promptly reporting suspicious movements or
individuals.
“We advise members of the public to be mindful of their
surroundings and make use of designated emergency response numbers,” he said.
“Anyone observed acting suspiciously should be reported immediately.”
Daso also disclosed that enhanced screening measures have
been introduced at places of worship, noting that worshippers would be
subjected to security checks before gaining access to churches and mosques.
“As part of the preventive measures, individuals attending
religious services will be properly screened, both in churches and mosques,” he
said.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has
condemned the attack, describing it as a “barbaric and inhumane act” that
desecrated a place of worship.
In a statement issued Wednesday night by his Special Adviser
on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor expressed grief over the loss of lives and
called for heightened vigilance, especially at religious centres during the
festive season.
“I am deeply saddened by the suicide attack at the Gamboru
mosque during Maghrib prayers, which claimed five lives and injured 35 others,”
Zulum said. “This act is utterly condemnable and a gross violation of the
sanctity of a place of worship.”
The governor extended condolences to the families of the
victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured, assuring residents
that additional measures had been put in place to prevent further security
breaches during and beyond the Christmas period.
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