‘Suspected Suicide Bomber’ — JTF HQ Gives Details Of Explosion In Maiduguri

The Joint Task Force Headquarters, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has given details of an explosion that occurred on Tuesday evening at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, Borno State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Sani Uba, lieutenant colonel and media information officer of OPHK, the incident happened at about 6:00 p.m. at a mosque within the market area in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council while Muslim faithful were observing evening prayers.

Preliminary findings, according to the task force, indicated that the explosion was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist acting as a suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians on the spot.

Uba said troops, working alongside the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, other security agencies, the Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency, responded swiftly to the incident, secured the scene and cordoned off the area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety.

He added that casualties were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for urgent medical attention.

The task force disclosed that 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries from the explosion.

Two of the injured were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are currently in critical condition. The remaining victims, the statement said, are stable and receiving appropriate medical care.

Following the incident, OPHK said troops and other security agencies have intensified surveillance and security measures within Maiduguri and surrounding areas to forestall further attacks.

The public was urged to remain calm and security-conscious, particularly during the yuletide season, while being vigilant and reporting suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security post.

The statement also advised citizens to avoid crowded places and maintain extra vigilance at places of worship during the festive period.

OPHK commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and assured residents of Maiduguri and environs of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property.