Following the deadly Christmas Eve attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, security agencies across Nigeria have intensified deployments to prevent further attacks and reassure citizens during the festive season.
The bombing, which occurred on Wednesday evening at the Al-Adum Mosque in Gamboru Market, left four people dead and more than 30 others injured. Preliminary investigations by security agencies indicate that the explosion was caused by a Boko Haram suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device during evening prayers.
In response, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate reinforcement of security operations in Borno and other parts of the country. Vice President Kashim Shettima confirmed that additional tactical teams had been deployed, stressing that the perpetrators would be hunted down and brought to justice. He described the attack as a cruel assault on innocent citizens and assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would not allow terrorism to undermine national peace.
According to security sources, no fewer than 16,738 tactical personnel were deployed across several states, including Borno, Kogi, Edo, Bauchi, Plateau, Kano and Abia. The deployments focused on worship centres, markets, highways, recreational areas and other public spaces, especially in urban hubs.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that while 32 people were initially injured in the Maiduguri blast, two later died in hospital, bringing the civilian death toll to four. Police and military units also carried out sweeps of the area to rule out the presence of secondary explosive devices.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum strongly condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and inhumane. He urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly at places of worship and crowded public spaces. Similar condemnations came from the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who called the attack an assault on the nation’s conscience.
Across the country, state police commands and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps stepped up patrols and intelligence-led operations. In states such as Kano, Delta, Ondo, Edo, Plateau, Kwara, Bauchi and Niger, thousands of officers were deployed to ensure peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations. Marine police were also mobilised in riverine areas to curb piracy and other criminal activities.
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Despite the heavy security presence, authorities in several states reported peaceful celebrations with no major incidents recorded as of Christmas Day. Religious and community leaders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria in different states, acknowledged the visible security measures while urging continued vigilance.
The Maiduguri attack has renewed concerns about lingering insurgency threats in the North East, a region that has faced years of violence from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province. While authorities insist progress has been made in weakening terrorist groups, the government says it remains fully committed to protecting lives, places of worship and critical infrastructure nationwide.
