Female suicide bomber kills 24 in Borno; Shettima condemns attack, assures immediate response 

June 21, 2025

No fewer than 24 persons were killed and several others injured by a female suicide bomber on Friday night at Konduga Local Government Area of Borno.

ASP Nahun Daso, the Borno Police Command spokesperson, who confirmed this on Saturday said the improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated at a food joint, where the attacker targeted residents who had gathered in a large number to buy food.

ASP Daso said the body of the suicide bomber was severely dismembered by the blast, with only the head recovered from the scene.

“Following the incident, a joint response team comprising the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, Military, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters was deployed to the scene,” he added. 

The spokesperson said that the area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched for other possible explosive devices, but none was found.

“The injured victims were evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), where they are currently receiving treatment, while the remains of the deceased were also deposited at the hospital mortuary.

“The victims were confirmed dead by medical personnel on duty,” he said 

Daso said efforts were ongoing to profile the victims and contact their relatives for proper identification and burial in line with their religious practices.

He said that security had been reinforced in Konduga and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence.

In a swift reaction, Vice-President Kashim Shettima has condemned the attack, describing it as a heinous act of terrorism against innocent civilians.

In a statement on Saturday, Shettima urged relevant agencies to expedite investigations into the incident and ensure that victims and families of the deceased receive urgent support.

Shettima, who commiserates with the families of the victims and the people of Borno, also expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

He assured that the Federal Government will not relent in its efforts to ensure that those responsible for the despicable act face the full weight of the law.

“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence.

” The government stands with them in this difficult time and will provide all necessary support.

“The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, remains committed to restoring lasting peace and security to the Northeast and all parts of Nigeria.

“We will not allow our enemies to undermine the progress we have made in degrading their capabilities,” Shettima stressed.