Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
A terrorist attack in Nigeria has left at least 18 people dead and 100+ are injured following a series of blasts by suspected female suicide bombers in Borno State.
On Saturday, three explosions rocked the town of Gwoza, near the Cameroon border, targeting a wedding, a hospital, and a funeral. Borno State police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso reported that one of the attacks occurred at a crowded parking lot around 3:45 PM, where a woman carrying a baby detonated an improvised explosive device (IED).

The attacks continued as another bomb exploded near General Hospital, followed by a third blast during the funeral for victims of the wedding attack. According to Barkindo Saidu, director-general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, the attackers included a woman disguised as a mourner, with children and pregnant women among the casualties. Saidu confirmed that 18 people, including children, men, and pregnant women, were killed, and at least 30 others sustained injuries such as abdominal ruptures and skull fractures.

While no group has claimed responsibility, this region has endured a 15-year conflict driven by Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), resulting in thousands of deaths and millions of displaced individuals. Despite the Nigerian military’s efforts to reduce the armed groups’ capabilities, deadly attacks on civilians and security targets persist.
Boko Haram, known for its brutal tactics, including using young women and girls as suicide bombers, continues to be the most formidable threat to the Nigerian military. Their presence extends beyond Nigeria and also includes Burkina Faso & Mali.