The Nigerian Army has arrested two suspects in connection with the Christmas Eve bombing of a mosque at Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, which left five worshippers dead and 32 others injured.
The attack, carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) inside the mosque, has been linked to terrorist groups including Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), Ansaru, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), according to counter-insurgency sources monitored by the publication, Zagazola Makama.
Investigations revealed that a Boko Haram cell led by notorious IED expert Munzir Abu Ziyadah had planned multiple attacks across Maiduguri, preparing up to ten person-borne IEDs from the
Ali Ngulde camp axis. Terror operatives reportedly infiltrated several Borno communities via the Ngoshe Mountains, moving towards Gazuwa and Ngom, before the mosque bombing was executed.
Troops deployed under Operation Hadin Kai arrested one suspect in Banki town, Borno, while a second suspect, identified as Ibrahim, was apprehended in Damaturu, Yobe State, in collaboration with a local hunters’ group. Both were taken to Maiduguri for questioning.
Ibrahim confessed to being an accomplice in the mosque attack. He revealed that he had planted a bomb in a bag at the mosque entrance, while his now-deceased accomplice, Adamu, entered the worship hall wearing a suicide vest and detonated it.
According to his statement, six suicide bombers had been deployed to Maiduguri under the coordination of a terror kingpin, with some of the assailants originating from Adamawa State.
Security operatives also intercepted a Peugeot vehicle at the Cameroon–Nigeria border carrying six bags of urea fertilizer, a key IED component, while follow-up operations led to the arrest of the fertilizer dealer and recovery of an additional six bags.
The Nigerian Army said the arrests were a product of intelligence-led operations and joint patrols, highlighting the continued efforts of security agencies to curb terrorism in the volatile northeast.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
