A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri on Wednesday evening, killing at least four people and injuring dozens, Nigerian military authorities said.

The blast occurred on December 24 and was attributed to a lone attacker believed to be affiliated with the Islamist insurgent group, according to the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai. The bomber died at the scene along with two civilians, officials said.

Troops from Operation Hadin Kai, working alongside the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit and other security agencies, responded swiftly to the incident. Authorities said the area was secured and cordoned off to prevent secondary attacks, while emergency responders evacuated casualties.

Thirty-two civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to Maiduguri General Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Two of the injured later died from their wounds, hospital officials confirmed. Two others remain in critical condition, while the remaining victims are reported to be stable and receiving medical care.

The Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency were also involved in the emergency response.

In the aftermath of the attack, security forces have increased surveillance and patrols across Maiduguri and surrounding areas, amid concerns of further attacks during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Authorities urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, advising the public to report suspicious movements to security agencies.

Operation Hadin Kai expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in the region, which has endured more than a decade of insurgency-related violence.