By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, who was arrested by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with local hunters in Yobe State, has disclosed details of how he was allegedly recruited, paid, and deployed to carry out attacks on worshippers in Maiduguri.
During interrogation, Ibrahim reportedly confessed to his involvement in the December 24 suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, which left five people dead and 32 others injured.
The attack occurred during the festive period, throwing the city into confusion.
According to security sources quoted by Zagazola, the suspect said the operation was coordinated by Boko Haram commanders operating between Adamawa State and the Mandara Mountains.
“My name is Ibrahim. I am from Michika in Adamawa State,”he was quoted as saying.
“We were sent to Maiduguri by our leaders, Adamu and Abubakar, to plant bombs in an Izala mosque. They gave us two improvised explosive devices (IEDs).”
Ibrahim claimed that suicide bombing had become a paid assignment within the insurgent group, adding that he received between ₦70,000 and ₦100,000 for each mission.
“I was paid money for every operation I carried out,”he said.
He further explained how the attackers allegedly took advantage of periods when mosques were less crowded to plant the explosives.
“We went after Zuhur and Asr prayers when the mosque was empty. We entered pretending to pray,”he said.
“My colleague dug a hole in the middle of the mosque to plant the IED, while I dug by the side.”
According to the suspect, the explosive devices were connected and timed ahead of the Maghrib prayer.
“As worshippers gathered for Maghrib prayer, after the first raka’at, the bomb detonated. The timer was set for five minutes,”he said, adding that he fled toward the market area shortly afterward.
Security authorities have not yet issued an official statement confirming the full details of the suspect’s confession. Investigations are ongoing.
