The Nigerian Army around midnight confirmed the multiple bomb attacks on Maiduguri, giving details about how Boko haram terrorists turned the country’s 55th Independence Anniversary into a bloody one in the Borno State capital. It also put the death toll at 14, with 39 injured.

News Express had reported the story around 8pm but Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, gave more details in a statement released around midnight. He wrote:

“This is to confirm that there were bomb explosions at Sajeri not far away from Ajilari Railway Crossing in Maiduguri this evening. Troops, security and emergency management agencies have been mobilised to the location.

“Although details are still sketchy, suffice to state that 4 Boko Haram terrorists suicide bombers detonated their vests simultaneously. Three of the terrorists in the same area and the fourth detonated in front of a mosque. So far, it has been confirmed that 14 people have lost their lives including the suicide bombers, while 39 people were wounded. The wounded have been evacuated to hospital for treatment.

“We would to appeal to the people especially the residents of the affected areas to remain calm and continue to be very vigilant and security conscious as everything necessary is being done to secure their lives and properties.

“It is also necessary to assure all that no matter how hard Boko Haram terrorists would try, they will not succeed in reversing the gains being made in the pursuit of peace and security in our great nation.”

•Photo shows scene of a Boko Haram attack.