Suspected suicide bomb kills five at Nigeria mosque during prayers

At least five people were killed and 35 injured after a powerful explosion struck a mosque in northeastern Nigeria during evening prayers on Wednesday. Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso Kenneth confirmed the casualty figures, stating that authorities are investigating the incident in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, as a likely suicide bombing.

Details of the Attack

The blast occurred as worshippers gathered at the mosque in Maiduguri. Preliminary information from witness accounts and the recovery of fragments from an explosive vest point to a suicide bomber as the cause, according to an official police statement shared on social media. "Officials are continuing an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident," said Daso. The attack has left the local community in shock and mourning.

Regional Context of Violence

Borno state, and Maiduguri in particular, has been the epicenter of a prolonged insurgency led by the terrorist group Boko Haram and its offshoots. These extremist factions have repeatedly targeted places of worship, markets, and civilian gatherings in their campaign of violence, which has displaced millions and caused a severe humanitarian crisis across the Lake Chad region over the past decade.

Global Resonance and Counter-Terrorism

This latest attack underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in West Africa and the particular vulnerability of religious sites in conflict zones. Türkiye, which has consistently condemned acts of terror globally and emphasized international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, views such incidents as a stark reminder of the need for sustained security and developmental support to stabilize affected regions and protect innocent civilians.