21 killed in Borno suicide bombing

No fewer than 21 persons, including six terrorists, have been confirmed dead in the failed suicide bomb attempt in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The suicide bombers, who were said to be heading to the office of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation on the Maiduguri-Damboa Road, were accosted by officers and men of the Nigerian Army at a checkpoint. This was at Mulai, shortly before the NNPC office.

Shots from the military aimed at the vehicles in which the suspected bombers were riding detonated the explosives in the vehicle. Fifteen civilians were confirmed dead, while six of the terrorists equally died. Four soldiers were reported to have been wounded.

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, confirmed the development.

Olukolade said one of the terrorists was apprehended. Eight vehicles were destroyed in the incident, he added.