An early morning bomb blast has killed at least 22 people in Mulai area of Maiduguri in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.
The attack was reportedly carried out by a suicide bomber in a mosque during early morning prayers.
Several others were also injured.
The attack came a day after the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, said he was confident that Boko Haram would be eliminated in Nigeria.
He had said that troops fighting insurgents in the northeast were doing so with utmost commitment and renewed zeal.
He gave the assurance on Tuesday at the office of the Oyo State Governor during his one-day familiarisation tour of the Two Division of Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo in Ibadan.
According to Buratai, the intensity of the onslaught against terrorism has been increased and this has resulted in the noticeable reduction of attacks in the region.
Read the official Army report on the attack below:
PERSON-BORNE IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE ATTACK IN UMMARARI
This is to confirm that there were twin Person-borne improvised explosive attack carried out by two female carriers in Ummarari village near Molai, outskirts of Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, this morning. The first attack targeted a mosque, while the second blast about 50 metres away, a few minutes later. Sadly, 22 people were killed and 18 others sustained various degrees of injuries.
Troops, security agents and care givers have been mobilized to scene, while the wounded have been evacuated to Molai General Hospital for treatment.
The troops, security agents and the Civilian JTF have secured the area and are combing the environment for possible clues.
While we commiserate with the families of the victims of this dastardly act, we wish to reassure the public that we would continue to rout the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists wherever they may be hiding. We will not rest on our oars until all those that masterminded this latest heinous and other similar crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.
Meanwhile, we implore the members of the public to be more security conscious, cooperate with the troops and security agencies. They should also please report any suspicious persons, objects or happenings to troops or security agencies at all times.
Thank you for your kind and usual cooperation.
Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations
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