At least eight die after series of bombings in Nigeria

Suspected Islamic extremists detonated three explosive devices in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, in Nigeria’s north east – killing eight people.

Lt Col Tukuru Gusau, the army spokesman for the 7th Division based in Maiduguri, said the number of wounded from the blasts was still not available.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the initial suspicion has fallen on the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, which has resorted to hit-and-run tactics after the Nigerian military recaptured territory once held by the militants.

Military officials say the attacks signify the increasing desperation of Boko Haram.

At least 20,000 people have been killed in Boko Haram’s six-year-old uprising which has displaced 2.1 million people across three countries.