Borno State is in the spotlight once again after a deadly bomb blast rocked a mosque in Maiduguri, leaving five dead and dozens injured. In a dramatic response, the Borno State Police Command has unleashed over 1,000 officers onto the streets, promising to clamp down on any threats as Christians gear up for Christmas celebrations.

The attack, which targeted the Al-Adum Mosque during evening prayers, has sent shockwaves through the community. With 35 people wounded, the city is reeling, and authorities are scrambling to reassure a jittery public.

Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso wasted no time in announcing a sweeping security operation. “There will be full domination of security personnel at churches, recreational centres, and strategic locations where people are massively going to. We are on standby,” Daso declared, painting a picture of a city under siege but protected by a show of force.

The police aren’t acting alone. According to Daso, this is a joint operation with other emergency and security agencies, all hands on deck to keep the peace. “The command has deployed over 1,000 personnel within Maiduguri,” he boasted, underscoring the scale of the response as the festive season approaches.

Residents are being told to stay alert and report anything suspicious. “We call on members of the public to go about their lawful business. But they should be very mindful and careful of their surroundings and use the designated emergency response number,” Daso warned, urging everyone to be the eyes and ears of the police.

Security is now tighter than ever at places of worship. New screening measures mean anyone heading to church or mosque will be thoroughly scanned. “In terms of clearance, any individual going to churches must be properly scanned. And the same thing too for the mosque,” Daso explained, making it clear that no one is above suspicion.

The outrage has reached the highest levels of government. Governor Babagana Zulum, through his media adviser, condemned the attack as “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.” He offered condolences and called for even more vigilance, especially at religious sites during the holidays.

“Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship,” the governor said, vowing that the government is pulling out all the stops to prevent another tragedy.

With police flooding the streets and new security protocols in place, authorities are determined to show they’re in control. The message is clear: no one will be allowed to disrupt the peace during this critical period. The police are calling for full cooperation from the public, insisting that only by working together can further bloodshed be avoided.

As Christmas approaches, all eyes are on Borno. Will these measures be enough to keep the state safe, or is the region bracing for more unrest? For now, residents are being told to stay vigilant and trust in the authorities’ show of strength.