At least seven people are feared dead and several others injured in a triple-bomb attack at the busy and overpopulated Sajeri/Ajilari area of Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

This is the second attack on the area within the last one month. Four bomb explosions had rocked the area two weeks ago killing more than 50 people and injuring more than 20.

The latest attack, residents confirmed, took place around 8:30pm when three loud explosions were heard.

“I just left the area where the explosion happened when I heard three loud bang that shook the entire area,” a resident, Abdullahi Ibrahim, said.

“I return to see if some of the people I left at the vicinity were not killed in the explosion, but when I got there I saw at least seven corpses being evacuated and dozens of injured were being assisted.”

Nigerian Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, confirmed the attack in a statement, adding that the bombers were among the dead.

“There were triple suspected human borne improvised explosive device explosion on Tuesday evening at Ajilari, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State. The explosives occurred at 3 minutes intervals and 7 people were confirmed dead, including the 3 suicide terrorists, while 11 others sustained various degrees of injuries,” he said.

The army also said troops from 5 Brigade ambushed some of the suspected Boko Haram members who attacked Geidam last week in Yobe State. It added that 10 of the insurgents were killed and others injured in the attack while returning from an attack on Gajiram near Ngollom village.

“The troops also recovered 1 Anti-Aircraft Gun, 5 AK 47 Rifles, 1 Fabrique Nationale Rifle, 2 Machine Guns and 1 Light Machine Gun. Other weapons and equipment recovered include a Rocket Propel Grenade Tube, 8 AK 47 rifle magazines, 1 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2 Belts of 7.62MM (NATO) with 150 and 180 rounds of ammunition respectively,” the statement said.

A suspected Boko Haram supplier, Abacha Kumjo, was also said to be arrested by troops on patrol around Monguno in Borno State.

“He was arrested with 20 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) neatly concealed in a black polythene bag while trying to cross from Monguno to a terrorist’s camp. He siphoned the fuel from his Golf Wagon vehicle with registration number AA 175 MFA, Borno State. The suspect is being interrogated further,” the army stated.