Following the Christmas Eve terrorist attack in Maiduguri, Borno State, the authorities have scaled up security across the country with massive deployments of operatives in worship centres and urban hubs.
No fewer than 16,738 tactical squads were deployed in Borno, Kogi, Edo, Bauchi, Plateau, Kano, Abia, and other states.
President Bola Tinubu had directed the authorities to deploy additional tactical teams to Borno and other states, following the terrorist attack in a Maiduguri mosque in which four people were killed.
A suicide bomber had detonated an explosive device at the Al-Adum Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, around 6pm on Wednesday, when worshippers had gathered for prayers, injuring several persons.
The mosque, located near the Customs district, is a popular place of worship frequented by traders and sellers who patronise the bustling market daily.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a statement on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed that the President had ordered the immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following Wednesday’s attack.
He vowed that the perpetrators of the bomb explosion would face the full weight of the law. He affirmed that additional tactical teams had been deployed to track down those responsible for the attack.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately,” Shettima stated.
He described the attack as “a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.”
The Nigerian Army confirmed that four persons were killed and 32 others injured in the explosion, which occurred during Maghrib (evening) prayers at about 6pm on Wednesday.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, in a statement on Thursday, said preliminary investigations indicated that the blast was caused by a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device.
“Initial findings show that the explosion was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist suicide bomber who detonated an IED, killing himself and two civilians at the scene,” Uba said.
He disclosed that although 32 civilians initially sustained injuries, two later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of civilian deaths to four.
“Two of the injured victims remain in critical condition, while others are stable and responding to treatment,” Uba added.
Earlier, the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, stated that preliminary investigations suggested the incident may have been a suicide bombing, based on the recovery of fragments of a suspected suicide vest and witness accounts, while investigations were ongoing to establish the exact cause and circumstances.
Daso added that police were conducting a sweep of the area in search of possible secondary devices.
Shettima expressed confidence that the existing security architecture would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We sympathise with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security, anchored in constitutional responsibility, remained unwavering.
“Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, this administration has consistently reaffirmed its unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity and stability of our nation,” Shettima stated.
“This commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to decisively defeat terrorism in all its forms.”
He added that the Federal Government was working closely with state authorities and local security agencies to ensure the protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North East and other regions.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, condemned the attack, describing it as “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.”
In a statement, Zulum urged heightened vigilance at places of worship and public spaces during the festive season.
“Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of its sanctity at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship,” he said, while offering condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the injured.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, also condemned the Maiduguri mosque attack, describing it as barbaric and an assault on the nation’s conscience.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas expressed condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to combat insecurity through enhanced funding, intelligence-driven operations and community-based initiatives.
Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has been at the centre of a prolonged insurgency led by jihadist groups Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province, since 2009.
Boko Haram launched its insurgency in Borno State with the aim of establishing an Islamic caliphate. The militants have historically targeted mosques, markets and crowded public spaces using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices since 2009.
Although the violence has waned from its peak a decade ago, it has spilled into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
The timing of the explosion, just hours before Christmas celebrations, heightened tensions in the city, particularly among Christian communities preparing for the holiday.
The attack occurred on the same day President Tinubu released his Christmas message, in which he vowed that no Nigerian would suffer or die because of their religious beliefs.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” the President stated, pledging to do “everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and protect people of different faiths from violence.”
In recent months, concerns have mounted over a potential resurgence of militant activity in parts of Borno State, despite government claims of progress in degrading the operational capabilities of terrorist groups.
According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria now ranks sixth globally, up from eighth position in 2023 and 2024, indicating persistent systemic challenges in addressing terrorism.
In the aftermath of the blast, the Borno police deployed over 1,000 officers state-wide, while the Explosives Ordnance Disposal unit conducted routine sweeping and scanning of worship centres and recreational areas.
Sokoto State Police Command also confirmed the deployment of over 1,000 officers to worship and recreation centres, with no crime reported as of Christmas Day.
The command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Rufai, said the police had not recorded any crime during the period.
According to him, “We deployed over 1,000 officers across the state to secure churches, recreational centres and major roundabouts within the metropolis.
“As of now, we have not received any report from any of our teams. So far, the celebration has been peaceful, without any issue or criminal activity.”
In Delta State, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered the deployment of marine police along waterways to curb the activities of sea pirates and illegal bunkerers, particularly in Escravos, Burutu and Warri.
The measure was taken to ensure the protection of traders and travellers during the Christmas and New Year festivities, according to a special Christmas bulletin signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer.
Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders were directed to deploy personnel in all celebration venues and resorts.
Special patrol teams drawn from the Dragon Patrol, Safer Highways, Quick Response Squad, Rapid Response Squad, CP-SAT and Eagle-Net squads were deployed across major routes, junctions and flashpoints within Asaba and other parts of the state.
Traffic control measures were also strengthened at the Asaba Head Bridge, with police officers and traffic wardens deployed solely for traffic management.
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, assured residents of a hitch-free Christmas period, noting that additional personnel had been deployed for overt and covert operations across black spots, highways and strategic locations.
Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Ondo mobilised hundreds of personnel across the state’s 18 local government areas to maintain law and order throughout the festive season.
In Kogi, Bauchi, Kwara, Edo, Kano, Plateau and Abia States, police and NSCDC commands announced extensive deployments, patrols and intelligence-led operations to ensure peaceful celebrations, with religious and community leaders commending the visible security presence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, William Aya, said several measures have been implemented to strengthen security.
“These include the deployment of adequate police personnel, enhanced patrols, intelligence-led operations, visibility policing and the strategic positioning of officers at worship centres, recreational areas, major highways, markets and other public places,” the statement read.
It added that personnel from conventional police units, the Police Mobile Force, Motor Traffic Department, Safer Highway Patrol and other tactical formations were mobilised to maintain law and order and prevent criminal activities during the celebrations.
Similarly, Plateau State witnessed a significant deployment of security personnel as joint patrols by the Army, police, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps were observed in Jos, the state capital, and Riyom, Bassa, Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi.
Security agents were stationed at strategic locations and also mounted roadblocks on major highways leading to and out of the state.
Worship centres witnessed a remarkable security presence, particularly during and after the Christmas services.
The Plateau State Government had earlier announced the deployment of 1,450 personnel of Operation Rainbow, a state-owned security outfit, to boost security in the state.
The NSCDC, on the other hand, deployed 2,608 personnel across the state.
In Edo, the police rolled out 5,000 officers to enhance security during the Yuletide.
The state PPRO, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the roadblocks and checkpoints across the major roads in the state were necessitated by the crime trends.
She noted that officers have been directed to conduct lawful stop-and-search operations aimed at preventing crime, intercepting criminal elements, and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens, while also compelling vehicles to slow down at critical points.
“The Edo State Police Command hereby states that over 5,000 personnel have been deployed within the state, in and out of Benin City, for enhanced security during the Yuletide.
“Strategies employed include deployment of roadblocks and checkpoints across major roads in the state, necessitated by prevailing crime trends and the need to protect lives and property.
“Officers have been directed to conduct lawful stop-and-search operations aimed at preventing crime, intercepting criminal elements, and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens, while also compelling vehicles to slow down at critical points.
“The command notes with deep concern that within the last year, it recorded about eight casualties and four deaths of police officers, largely resulting from encounters with criminal elements who refused to submit to lawful searches and drove recklessly in attempts to evade security checks.
“These unfortunate incidents informed the decision to strengthen and sustain stop and search operations as a proactive response to protect both officers and members of the public.”
The Niger State Police Command has equally intensified security in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, ordered adequate security at worship places and recreation centres.
“He directed Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and DPOs that the deployment should adequately cover public places, particularly, places of worship, recreation centres, amusement parks, motor parks and highways within the State to provide the required security coverage before, during and after the season,’’ the command explained in a statement.
The Kano Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna, told The PUNCH on Thursday that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, had directed all operational commanders to intensify security across the state, particularly at worship centres and recreational facilities.
“The commissioner has mandated all operational commanders to ensure adequate security at worship centres and recreational facilities across the state,” Abdullahi said.
He added that Bakori also ordered round-the-clock visibility patrols and effective traffic control to ensure the free flow of traffic throughout the festive period.
According to him, the directive was issued during a meeting with heads of departments, area commanders, squadron and tactical commanders, as well as divisional police officers.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 1,350 personnel to boost security during the yuletide.
The NSCDC Public Relations Officer in the state, Ibrahim Abdullahi, told The PUNCH that the deployment was aimed at enhancing visibility and preventing criminal activities during the festivities.
“As part of efforts to enhance visibility and patrols, the Corps has deployed 1,350 personnel for improved security during the Yuletide,” he said.
“These units will conduct continuous foot, mobile and overt patrols at entry and exit points of cities, markets, major highways, motor parks and public venues to deter criminal activities,” Abdullahi added.
In Kwara State, the Police Command said it activated comprehensive security measures ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities.
This was contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
The statement, titled, ‘Yuletide Security Arrangements: Kwara Police Activate Comprehensive State-wide Deployment,’ said the initiative was part of proactive policing strategies aimed at boosting public confidence during the festive season.
The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, explained that the deployment aligned with the nationwide security arrangements of the Nigeria Police Force as directed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
He pointed out that visibility policing, intelligence-led patrols and targeted operations had been intensified around places of worship, markets, motor parks, highways, recreational centres and other public spaces.
Ojo added that tactical and specialised units had been placed on high alert, with sustained surveillance and raids ongoing in identified flashpoints across the state.
The Kwara State Commandant of the NSCDC, Umar Muhammed, deployed 2,380 personnel across the state.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Ayoola Shola, said the deployment was aimed at protecting critical national assets, public facilities and residents across the 16 local government areas of the state.
He said personnel were drawn from specialised units, including the Armed Squad, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Anti-Vandal Unit and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive unit.
The police in Abia confirmed the deployment of adequate men, even as the NSCDC disclosed that 850 officers and men had been mobilised across the state.
Reacting to the security situation, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kano State, Mr John Namaza, said while absolute security could not be guaranteed anywhere in the world, the state was currently enjoying relative peace.
“Honestly, I cannot say that I am completely satisfied with the security situation because even in developed countries, no one can give you a 100 per cent guarantee of safety,” he said.
Namaza, however, described the prevailing peace in Kano as commendable compared to previous years.
Also speaking, the spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, Nafiu Habib, reassured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free festive period.
He encouraged citizens to pray for peace, unity and national progress while supporting the efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
The NSCDC spokesperson in Bauchi State, Saminu Yusuf, said the State Commandant, Oloyede Oyerinde, approved the deployment of over 1,100 personnel to complement other security agencies during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Bauchi State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abraham Damina, expressed satisfaction with the level of security deployment across the state.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Thursday, Damina said security operatives were visible at various worship centres, describing the development as commendable.
The Niger State chapter of CAN said it has passed information to the Churches to be security-conscious and ensure that they monitor movements around their worship places.
The media aide of the CAN chairman, Daniel Atori, in a statement on Wednesday, said the association was conscious of the security situation in the state and has urged church leaders to be vigilant, warning the members to be vigilant.
“The CAN chairman, Most Rev. Bishop Bulus Yohanna, has directed church leaders to beef up security in their various churches. He urged them to put measures in place to monitor people coming into the church.”
