The blast occurred in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, a region that has endured years of violence linked to Islamist insurgency. Police said the explosion went off inside the mosque while worshippers were gathered.
Nahum Daso, a spokesperson for the Borno state police command, said investigators recovered fragments believed to be from a suicide vest at the scene, pointing to a deliberate attack. Authorities did not immediately provide details about the suspect or how the explosive device was detonated.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing. However, suicide attacks in northeastern Nigeria have long been associated with Boko Haram, which has waged an insurgency in the region for more than a decade. Its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province, has also carried out deadly assaults.
The latest attack underscores ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria, where violence by armed groups has killed thousands of people and forced millions from their homes since 2009, according to the United Nations.
Analysts say Boko Haram’s use of suicide bombers has declined in recent years but note that the group retains the capability to carry out such operations. In July 2024, a coordinated suicide bombing targeting a wedding in Borno state renewed fears that the tactic could again become more frequent.
Security forces said investigations were continuing, and authorities urged residents to remain vigilant as they assess whether the attack signals a broader escalation in militant activity.
