A suspected bomb explosion struck a mosque in the Gamboru market area of Maiduguri on Wednesday evening, leaving many worshippers feared killed or injured as they observed the Maghrib prayer.
The incident occurred at about 6:10 p.m. on Wednesday while Muslim worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer.
Although information on the incident remains sketchy, residents told Channels Television via telephone that many worshippers were either killed or injured.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Nahum Daso, could not confirm the blast but said he was on his way to the scene to assess the situation.
The suspected blast has already created fear among residents, especially within the Christian community preparing for the 2025 Christmas celebration.
Security operatives have cordoned the area to prevent further casualties and to allow preliminary assessment of the incident.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility, but the attack bears the hallmarks of ongoing insurgency in the region, where militant groups have frequently targeted crowded places including mosques. Authorities are investigating the explosion, amid heightened tensions during the festive period.