Female suicide bomber kills at least 20 in deadly attack in Borno State’s Konduga town Nigeria

A devastating suicide bombing carried out by a woman reportedly linked to the Boko Haram terrorist group has killed at least 20 people and injured more than 30 others in Konduga town, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.

The attack occurred late Friday evening around 9:15 p.m. near Tashan Kifi, a popular gathering spot adjacent to the Konduga fish market, where members of a local militia and civilians were reportedly socializing. The female assailant, disguised as a local resident, detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) strapped to her body upon entering the area.

According to Tijjani Ahmed, leader of the anti-militant militia in Konduga, 18 people were killed instantly, and two more succumbed to injuries in the hospital, bringing the death toll to 20. A mass burial for the victims was held on Saturday.

“We lost 20 people in the suicide attack... while our members were hanging out near the fish market,” Ahmed said. Fellow militia member Ibrahim Liman confirmed the same casualty figures.

However, the Borno State Police Command reported a lower initial death toll. Police spokesperson ASP Daso Kenneth stated that 10 people had been confirmed dead as of Friday night, while many others remained in critical condition. “A female suicide bomber carrying IEDs infiltrated a crowd at a local food market and detonated the explosives, killing 10 people and injuring several others,” he said.

Victims were swiftly evacuated to the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital for treatment, and security forces were deployed to secure the area and begin investigations.

Konduga, located roughly 36 to 40 kilometers from Maiduguri, has historically been a target of Boko Haram and its splinter faction ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province). While the town had seen relative calm in recent months, this latest bombing highlights the persistent threat of insurgency in the region.

The attack comes just hours after Nigerian military forces repelled coordinated insurgent assaults in Gwoza and Kukawa, also in Borno State. In recent weeks, the military has stepped up operations, reportedly killing hundreds of militants, including several high-ranking commanders.

ASP Kenneth urged continued public cooperation with security agencies:

“The war against terrorism should not be left to security forces alone. We urge citizens to report any suspicious activity to help prevent further tragedies.”

The attack is one of the deadliest in the region this year and underscores the ongoing challenge Nigeria faces in its fight against extremist violence.