Five people were killed and dozens more injured after an explosion struck a mosque in the city of Maiduguri in northeastern Nigeria, police said on Sunday, in the latest incident to underscore persistent security challenges in the region.
According to a statement from local police, the blast occurred late on Saturday night during prayers, killing five worshippers and injuring at least 35 others. Authorities said the attack is suspected to have been a suicide bombing, based on preliminary findings.
Nahum Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, said early investigations point to a possible suicide attack after fragments believed to be from an explosive vest were recovered at the scene, alongside eyewitness testimonies.
He added that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances and those responsible.
Emergency services rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals, while security forces cordoned off the area as forensic teams began their work.
Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has been repeatedly targeted by militant violence over the past decade. Despite improvements in security in recent years, the region continues to face sporadic attacks that often hit civilian and religious sites.
Nigerian authorities said they are reinforcing security measures around places of worship and urged residents to remain vigilant as investigations continue.
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