UPDATE: Police confirm 18 killed in Yobe suicide attacks

Multiple explosions in Damaturu, capital of Yobe state killed at least 18 people on Wednesday morning at three different locations. 

Our correspondent reports that the attacks happened at a community mosque, shopping complex in Buhari estate and Rugar Fulani (Fulani settlement) located outskirt of the town. 

Boko Haram militants have waged a bloody campaign against the country in the past five years, occasionally lauching bomb attacks on towns and villages and the military. Thousands of people have been killed so far with millions displaced especially in the north east.

Police spokesman, ASP Toyin Gbadegesin told Daily Trust that 18 people had been confirmed dead. 

"Eleven people died at the Fulani shed, outskirt of Damaturu, four people were killed at the shopping complex and two at the community mosque all in Buhari estate," he said. 

He said the injured were conveyed to the Damaturu Specialist Hospital for treatment. 

Our correspondent gathered that the first blast occurred around 5:15am when a university undergraduate, Hassan Mohammed Damagum intercepted a suicide bomber that targeted worshippers in a community mosque at Buhari estate. 

A witness, Mustafa Bukar said Damagum struggled with the bomber that kept shooting in the air. "He hugged the boy and blew up himself and others around," he said. 

The second attack happened around 6:15am when the suicide bomber also shot sporadically and targeted Fulani herdsmen who were assembled at their home before detonating other explosives, killing 11 people and injuring others. 

Also, four people were killed at a shopping complex at the Buhari Estate around 6:20am leaving many injured.