Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Nigeria’s military announced a significant development on Monday in the ongoing investigation into a December 24 suicide bombing at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, that killed at least five worshippers and injured dozens more. Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, the Joint Task Force responsible for counter‑terrorism in the North‑East, said they have apprehended eight suspects believed to be connected to the attack, as part of intensified operations against suicide bombing networks in the region.
In a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, the army outlined that the arrests were made in the early hours of January 5 following a targeted cordon‑and‑search operation in the Yan Lemo area of Mubi South Local Government Area in Adamawa State. The suspects were detained at a residence believed to be a meeting point or logistical hub for elements linked to the bombing network.
Among those detained, two individuals are regarded by military authorities as key facilitators within the suicide bombing network, responsible for supplying materials used in the construction of the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated inside the mosque during evening prayers. Nigerian troops said that a suspect already in custody positively identified the two principal suspects, reinforcing suspicions about their roles in preparing the deadly device.
Military personnel conducting the operation recovered cash, multiple mobile phones, identification documents, ATM cards, jewellery and other personal effects at the suspects’ residence. These items are undergoing forensic analysis as part of ongoing efforts to build a strong evidentiary case and support further intelligence gathering. The Nigerian Army emphasised that these actions are being taken to dismantle the suicide bombing network and disrupt future plots.
All eight suspects remain in military custody, where they are being interrogated comprehensively to extract additional information that could lead to further arrests or help curtail other cells associated with extremist activity in the North‑East. The army has indicated that suspects will subsequently be transferred to appropriate investigative authorities to continue legal procedures and prosecution processes.
This latest round of arrests follows earlier detentions tied to the same attack; prior to this operation, the army had already apprehended two suspects believed to have links to the bombing. In a related announcement earlier this month, military authorities also named Shariff Umar, also known as “Yusuf,” as the principal coordinator of a broader suicide bombing network behind recent attacks and attempted strikes across the North‑East, underscoring a multi‑pronged approach in counter‑terrorism efforts.
The Gamboru Market mosque bombing on December 24 occurred during evening prayers, making places of worship — traditionally seen as sanctuaries — targets of extremist violence. The attack killed five people and wounded approximately 35 others, according to official figures. Political and religious leaders in Borno State condemned the bombing, urging greater vigilance in public places of worship, particularly during significant religious observances when attendance typically rises sharply.
Security analysts have noted that insurgent groups operating in the North‑East, such as Boko Haram and its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have continued to use suicide bombings as a tactic alongside ambushes and other forms of violence, even as counter‑insurgency efforts gain traction. These attacks are part of a broader pattern of asymmetric violence that has bedevilled Nigeria’s northeastern states for more than a decade.
Operation Hadin Kai, launched in 2015, remains Nigeria’s primary coordinated military strategy to neutralise insurgent groups and protect civilians in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and surrounding areas. The operation combines ground troops, aerial surveillance, intelligence networks and community cooperation to pursue militants across remote and porous border regions. The recent arrests reflect a continued emphasis on intelligence‑led operations and collaboration between military units and local informants.
Beyond the arrest of suspects, the army disclosed additional interdictions aimed at disrupting support structures for armed groups. For instance, in a parallel operation on January 4 in Mayo Nguli, Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa, troops intercepted 45 jerrycans (approximately 1,125 litres) of petrol believed to be destined for terrorist use. The suspected suppliers fled upon sighting military personnel, leaving the seized fuel in military custody.
Officials say that intercepting such supplies is crucial since logistic networks — including fuel, transport and communication channels — help sustain the mobility and operational capacity of extremist elements. By targeting facilitators and supply chains, authorities hope to degrade the ability of militants to launch attacks and to gather momentum toward longer‑term stability.
Military leaders have reiterated calls for public cooperation in identifying suspicious activities and individuals, stressing that community involvement remains a critical pillar of successful counter‑terrorism work. Civilians are encouraged to report credible information to security agencies to assist ongoing efforts to eradicate violent networks.
The unfolding investigation into the Gamboru Market mosque bombing and related incidents continues to draw attention from human rights advocates, policy analysts and regional security specialists, who emphasise the importance of transparent judicial processes and respect for human rights standards even as authorities pursue suspects. Ensuring that suspects are treated fairly under the law and that evidence is meticulously gathered will be vital in reinforcing public trust and preventing further extremist recruitment.
As Operation Hadin Kai intensifies its campaign against insurgent networks, the recent arrests mark a notable development in the government’s ongoing struggle to secure northeastern Nigeria and protect vulnerable populations from extremist violence.
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