Heightened Alert in Maiduguri as Borno Police Flood City With Over 1,000 Officers After Deadly Mosque Bombing Ahead of Christmas

Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has been placed under heightened security as the Borno State Police Command deployed more than 1,000 officers across the city following a deadly bomb blast at a mosque, just days before Christmas celebrations. The massive security operation is aimed at preventing further attacks and reassuring residents during a period traditionally marked by increased public gatherings, worship activities, and travel.

The security alert follows an explosion that occurred around 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Al-Adum Mosque in the Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri. The blast happened as worshippers gathered for Maghrib prayers, throwing the busy commercial district into confusion and fear. Authorities confirmed that five people lost their lives in the incident, while at least 35 others sustained injuries of varying degrees and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.

The attack has once again underscored the fragile security situation in parts of Borno State, despite years of sustained military and security operations against insurgent groups. While investigations into the exact circumstances of the bombing are ongoing, the incident prompted an immediate review of existing security plans for the Christmas season.

Speaking on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Command, Nahum Daso, said the bombing made it necessary to intensify security arrangements across Maiduguri. He explained that although the police had already put measures in place for the festive period, the attack required a broader and more visible deployment to deter criminal activities and reassure residents.

According to Daso, the operation involves more than 1,000 police officers working in close collaboration with other security and emergency agencies. He said personnel have been stationed along major roads, identified flashpoints, worship centres, recreational facilities, markets, and other strategic locations where large numbers of people are expected to gather during Christmas.

“There will be full domination of security personnel at churches, recreational centres and strategic locations where people are expected to gather,” Daso said. “We are on standby, and all emergency and security response teams are fully involved in this operation.”

As part of the new security measures, the police announced that individuals would be screened before gaining access to places of worship, including churches and mosques. This move, according to the command, is meant to prevent the entry of suspicious persons or items that could pose a threat to public safety. Patrols have also been intensified, with both foot and vehicular patrol teams deployed around the clock.

Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, and to cooperate with security personnel by reporting any suspicious movements or activities promptly. Daso emphasized that public cooperation is critical to maintaining peace, especially during the festive period when crowds are more common. He encouraged citizens to make use of designated emergency numbers to alert authorities if they notice anything unusual.

The mosque bombing has drawn strong condemnation from the Borno State Government. Governor Babagana Umara Zulum described the attack as “barbaric and inhumane,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and injuries sustained by innocent worshippers. In a statement issued by his media aide, Dauda Iliya, the governor said the incident was particularly painful because it occurred during a sacred moment of prayer.

Zulum extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He assured residents that the state government, working with security agencies, had taken adequate measures to prevent further security breaches during the Christmas season and beyond.

The governor’s statement also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting security forces and strengthening intelligence gathering to forestall attacks. He emphasized that acts of violence would not be allowed to derail the relative peace that the state has been working hard to restore after years of insurgency.

For many residents of Maiduguri, the bombing has revived painful memories of past attacks that once made daily life unpredictable. Although the city has witnessed significant improvements in security over recent years, sporadic incidents continue to highlight lingering threats. The timing of the attack, coming just before Christmas, has heightened anxiety among both Christian and Muslim communities, who typically participate in religious and social activities during this period.

Religious leaders and community figures have called for unity and calm, urging residents not to allow fear to disrupt the spirit of the season. Some residents interviewed expressed appreciation for the visible presence of security personnel, saying it has provided a measure of reassurance. Others, however, called for sustained efforts beyond festive periods to address the root causes of insecurity.

Markets, motor parks, and recreational centres in Maiduguri have also seen increased police presence, with checkpoints mounted at strategic points across the city. While the additional security has slightly slowed movement in some areas, many residents appear willing to endure the inconvenience in exchange for improved safety.

Security analysts note that increased deployments during festive periods are common across the country, but the situation in Borno requires extra vigilance due to its history of insurgency-related violence. They argue that intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and rapid response mechanisms are essential to preventing attacks rather than reacting after they occur.

As Christmas approaches, authorities have continued to emphasize that the measures in place are precautionary and not meant to instill fear. The police command has reiterated its readiness to respond swiftly to any emergency, stressing that the safety of lives and property remains its top priority.

Despite the tragedy at the Al-Adum Mosque, officials and residents alike hope that the strengthened security presence will ensure a peaceful Christmas celebration in Maiduguri. The coming days will test the effectiveness of the measures put in place, as the city navigates a delicate balance between mourning the victims of the attack and preserving the spirit of the festive season.

For now, Maiduguri remains on high alert, with security forces maintaining watch across the city, determined to prevent further violence and reassure a population eager for peace after years of conflict.