Vice President Kashim Shettima has strongly denounced the suicide bombing at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, which killed at least five worshippers and injured dozens more during evening prayers on Christmas Eve.

Describing the incident as a “despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation,” Shettima emphasized that such acts of terror will not deter the Federal Government’s determination to eradicate insurgency.

In response to the attack, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an immediate ramp-up of security operations across Borno State. Additional tactical teams are being deployed to hunt down the perpetrators, with security agencies operating around the clock to ensure swift justice.

“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation,” Shettima stated.

“Our security forces are fully equipped and supported to bring these criminals to account and uncover every detail of this heinous crime.

“The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the Borno State government, residents of Maiduguri, and families of the victims, assuring them that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law.

He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s ironclad commitment to national security since taking office in 2023, pledging continued resources and backing for security agencies to decisively combat terrorism in all its manifestations.

Shettima noted ongoing collaboration with state and local authorities to bolster protection for vulnerable communities and key infrastructure in the North East and beyond.

The bombing, confirmed by authorities as a likely suicide attack, marks a rare breach of calm in Maiduguri, which had seen no major incidents since 2021.

A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) detonated inside a mosque at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Wednesday evening, killing several worshippers and injuring others during Maghrib prayers.

The blast occurred around 6:00 p.m. local time, ripping through the crowded mosque and sparking widespread panic in the bustling market area.

Eyewitnesses described thick smoke billowing from the site as traders and residents fled, while others rushed to aid the victims.

Reports indicate at least seven people were killed, though official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed as rescue operations continue. Security forces, including the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, quickly cordoned off the area for sweeping operations and investigations.

No group has claimed responsibility, but the attack bears the hallmarks of previous incidents linked to Boko Haram or its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have targeted mosques and crowded places in the region despite relative calm in Maiduguri in recent years.

The incident, occurring on Christmas Eve, has heightened fears among residents amid ongoing insurgency challenges in northeast Nigeria.

All schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have been freed.

The final group of approximately 130 pupils was released on Sunday, bringing an end to a month-long ordeal that began with the kidnapping of over 300 students and staff on November 21, 2025.

Officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed the development to journalists, stating that no children remain in captivity. The release was attributed to sustained security operations and coordinated efforts by Nigerian forces.

The armed attack on the boarding school by gunmen—widely described as bandits—sparked nationwide outrage and heightened fears over the safety of educational institutions in northern Nigeria.

The incident was one of the largest mass abductions since the 2014 Chibok girls’ kidnapping.

Previous batches of pupils had been freed or escaped in the weeks following the abduction, with reports indicating phased releases amid ongoing rescue efforts.

Families in the remote Papiri community, who endured weeks of anguish, expressed profound relief at the news. Security agencies hailed the outcome as a significant victory, though calls continue for enhanced measures to protect schools from future attacks.

Authorities have not disclosed specifics on whether ransoms were involved or the exact circumstances of the final release.

More details to follow as they emerge.