According to him, casualties from the incident were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for urgent medical attention.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Boko Haram insurgents were responsible for the deadly bomb blast at the Gamboru Juma’at Mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai made the confirmation on Thursday, following investigations into the attack that occurred during Maghrib prayers on Wednesday.
SaharaReporters had reported that five worshippers were confirmed killed while 35 others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber detonated explosives inside the mosque.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Theatre Command spokesman, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said findings revealed that the attack was carried out by Boko Haram elements.
According to him, casualties from the incident were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for urgent medical attention.
Uba disclosed that 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries as a result of the explosion.
He assured residents of Maiduguri and its environs of their safety during the festive season, noting that troops and other security agencies have intensified surveillance and security operations across the city and surrounding areas.
Uba said, “Preliminary findings indicate the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians on the scene.
“The troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other sister security agencies, the Borno State Government, and NEMA, responded promptly, securing and cordoning off the affected area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety.
“Two of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are currently in critical condition.
“The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving appropriate medical care.”
The military reiterated its commitment to maintaining security and preventing further attacks across the North-East region.