A mortar bomb exploded early Saturday morning in a residential estate in Maiduguri, Borno State capital Africa Today News, New York has learnt.
The estate which is located along the Maiduguri-Damaturu expressway is named 1,000 Housing estate.
It was gathered that no fewer than 12 houses were affected, but no loss of life has been recorded.
The bomb is said to have exploded less than 100 meters away from a holding camp for repentant Boko Haram members.
The military has cordoned off the estate.
In the meantime, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has debunked reports that an explosion rocked the Maiduguri airport in Borno State.
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The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Henrietta Yakubu, in a statement on Saturday said the information was false as there was neither an explosion nor any attack at the airport.
‘The airport was not targeted, and is not under any attack whatsoever,’ the statement read in part.
FAAN, therefore, assured air travellers that it remains committed to its core values of safety, security and comfort.
Bombings in Maiduguri are not a novelty and are usually launchd by Boko Haram/ISWAP terorrists.
In February, at least 10 persons died and about 60 were injured after Boko Haram insurgents fired rocket bombs into the town.
The army described Saturday’s attack as a ‘security breach by suspected Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.’
In a statement signed by spokesperson Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu which was obtained by Africa Today News, New York, the army said there was no need to panic as troops were in control of the situation.
‘The sound of explosions at Gomari community and 1,000 Housing Estate in Maiduguri was heard in the early hours of today with shots fired into these communities by BH/ISWAP criminals,’ the statement read.
‘This unfortunate incident has caused some level of damage and apprehension in residential areas. Although, no life was lost, sadly a minor sustained injury.
‘Ground troops in conjunction with the Air Component of OPHK responded swiftly and dominated the area with ground and air interdictions that successfully neutralized the threats and infiltration attempt by the terrorists.
‘The general public are urged not to panic as troops are on ground and aggressively dominating the city to effectively take out any perceived threat.
‘The good people of Maiduguri are equally enjoined to go about their normal socio-economic activities and provide actionable information on the movement of these criminal elements.’
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK