Suicide Blast Kills 20 Fighters in Nigeria

The blast occurred late Friday near Konduga's busy fish market, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the state capital, Maiduguri. Vigilantes and local hunters supporting the military were gathered at a common hangout when the attacker detonated explosives strapped to her body.

"We lost 20 people in the suicide attack around 9:15 p.m.," said Tijjani Ahmed, head of the local militia. “Eighteen died instantly, while two more succumbed to injuries in hospital.”

Sixteen others were wounded, including 10 in critical condition being treated in Maiduguri hospitals.

The victims were buried in a mass funeral on Saturday. “These were the young men who kept our town safe,” said Ali Kyari, a Konduga resident who lost his brother in the attack.

Police confirmed 10 fatalities but acknowledged the toll may rise. “Details are still sketchy,” said Borno police spokesman Nahum Daso.

The bomber was reportedly dressed as a local heading to the fish market when she triggered the device near the militia's rest area.

Boko Haram and its rival faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have escalated attacks across Borno and neighboring states in recent months. Military bases have also come under assault, with soldiers killed and weapons seized.

The 16-year conflict has killed over 40,000 people and displaced two million, according to the UN. Violence has spilled into neighboring countries, prompting a regional military alliance to combat extremist groups.