Vice President Kashim Shettima has strongly condemned the bomb explosion at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed about two lives and left several others injured, describing the incident as a despicable attack on innocent citizens and a threat to national peace.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President expressed outrage over the attack and assured Nigerians that the Federal Government has begun deploying additional tactical teams to the area to track down and apprehend those responsible.
According to Shettima, the Federal Government is working closely with Borno State authorities and local security agencies to strengthen the protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North East and other parts of the country.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately,” he said.
He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State in response to the incident.
Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security as a constitutional responsibility, the Vice President said he was confident that the existing security architecture would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also uncover the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
“We sympathize with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law.
“Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, this administration has consistently reaffirmed its unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.
“This commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to decisively defeat terrorism in all its forms,” the former Borno governor said.
The explosion occurred at about 6:10 p.m. on Wednesday, less than 12 hours before Christmas, as Muslim worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer.
What you should know
The Gamboru Market mosque attack is the latest reminder of the lingering security challenges in Borno State, despite years of military operations against insurgent groups.
Vice President Shettima’s response signals heightened federal attention to the incident, with assurances of reinforced security deployment and coordinated action between federal and state authorities. The attack, coming just hours before Christmas, has heightened fears among residents and renewed calls for stronger protection of places of worship.
The Federal Government maintains that its security strategy remains focused on dismantling terrorist networks and preventing further assaults on civilians.
