I was paid N100,000 to bomb worshippers in Maiduguri — Suicide bomber

A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, has revealed chilling details of his recruitment and operations, including how he was paid to target worshippers in Maiduguri.

The confession came after his arrest by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with local hunters in Yobe State.

Ibrahim admitted involvement in the Dec. 24 suicide bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque, which killed five people and injured 32 others.

According to him, the attacks were orchestrated by Boko Haram commanders operating between Adamawa State and the Mandara Mountains.

“I came to Maiduguri with two IEDs to target Izala Mosque, under instructions from our leaders, Adamu and Abubakar,” he told interrogators.

He said the operatives planted the explosives after Zuhur and Asr prayers, timing the detonation for Maghrib prayers when worshippers had gathered.

In a disturbing twist, Ibrahim claimed he returned to the scene pretending to be a civilian helper, assisting in evacuating casualties.

He revealed that suicide bombing had become a paid assignment within the terror network, with payments ranging from N70,000 to N100,000 per mission.

He expressed regret for the deaths he caused, stating: “I regret my action for killing innocent people who did not commit any crime.”

Ibrahim was part of a larger terror cell planning multiple attacks across the North-East, including missions by Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), Ansaru, and JNIM elements.

A notorious IED expert, Munzir Abu Ziyadah, allegedly coordinated up to ten suicide missions from the Ali Ngulde camp.

After the Gamboru attack, Ibrahim conducted reconnaissance in Yobe State for future operations.

He admitted attempting to detonate another device near Izala Mosque, Tashan Joni, but could not due to tight security.

Security forces are now on high alert in the North-East, reinforcing protection around mosques, markets, and other vulnerable locations.

His confession has provided crucial insight into Boko Haram’s recruitment, funding, and operational methods, emphasizing the need for sustained intelligence-led operations and community vigilance across the region.