Suicide Bomber Kills 10, Injures Many in Borno Restaurant Explosion

Gwoza, Borno State – A deadly suicide bombing rocked the town of Gwoza in Borno State on Saturday, leaving at least ten people dead and many others injured after an attacker detonated an explosive device inside a crowded restaurant.

The blast occurred in Tashan Mararaba area of the town, which lies near the border with Cameroon. Eyewitnesses said the attacker, believed to be a female, entered the restaurant disguised as a customer before triggering the explosion during peak business hours.

Panic erupted immediately following the blast as terrified residents fled the area. Emergency responders and security personnel rushed to the scene to rescue survivors and evacuate the injured to nearby medical facilities. Several victims are reportedly in critical condition.

“So far, we have counted at least 10 dead bodies,” said a member of the local vigilante group who assisted in the rescue operation. “Many others are wounded and receiving treatment at the General Hospital.”

Security forces have since cordoned off the area, and investigations are ongoing. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, authorities suspect the involvement of Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), both of which have carried out similar attacks in the region.

Gwoza has long been a flashpoint in the ongoing insurgency in northeastern Nigeria. The town was once under the control of Boko Haram before it was recaptured by the Nigerian military in 2015. Despite military efforts, sporadic attacks continue to target civilians and soft locations such as markets and restaurants.

Local officials have condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless act of terror against innocent people. Calls have been renewed for the federal government to intensify security operations in the region and enhance protection for vulnerable communities.

As of the time of this report, no official statement has been issued by the Borno State Government or the Nigerian Army. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies in identifying suspicious movements.

The bombing marks one of the deadliest single attacks in recent months and raises fresh concerns about the security situation in the northeast, where thousands have died and millions displaced due to the prolonged insurgency.