An explosion struck a mosque during evening prayers on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, a witness said, with no immediate confirmation of casualties or official response.
The incident occurred in a city long affected by violence linked to Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who have waged an insurgency for nearly two decades. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions across the region.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s blast. However, militant groups have previously targeted mosques, markets and other crowded locations in Maiduguri using suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices.
Security officials have yet to issue a statement on the explosion, and authorities are expected to provide further details as assessments continue.
Boko Haram launched its insurgency in Borno state in 2009, aiming to establish an Islamic caliphate. Despite ongoing military operations, sporadic attacks continue to pose a threat to civilians in northeastern Nigeria.