At least five soldiers were killed on Sunday in Damaturu where a suicide bomber rammed his car into a military patrol, officials have said.

One source told the AFP, that the attacker died in the explosion that killed the soldiers. Police Commissioner for Yobe state, Mr. Toyin Gbadegeshin, confirmed the attack to NAN, but made no mention of a suicide bomber.

He told the Nigerian news agency that “gunmen laid ambush on a security patrol team using explosive devices around Shagari low cost housing area”.

Gbadegeshin said the military personnel targeted in the patrol vehicle were injured and rushed to hospital for treatment. He reported gunshots heard at a police station in the area and said his men were still working to get more details about the incident.