Some soldiers are feared killed today when suicide bombers in two separate vehicles rammed into two military patrol vehicles at a major checkpoint in the outskirt of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The two suicide missions were carried out at heavy checkpoint in Molai, the last village that leads to Maiduguri along the Damboa-Biu road.

It was gathered that the first suicide bomber hit a patrol vehicle parked by the checkpoint, a development which caused loud sound and flames.

Witnesses said the incident happened around 1pm. In the ensuing confusion,  the second suicide bomber reportedly hit another patrol vehicle, also at the checkpoint.

It is not yet clear how many people were killed at the scene. A journalists who lives close to the location said he heard sounds of thunderous blasts.

"The place has been cordon off and some corpses have been taken away,"he said.

However, the Defence Headquarters in Abuja said four suspected suicide bombers were killed in separate explosions while trying to attack an NNPC facility in Maiduguri, Borno State.

"Four terrorists believed to be suicide bombers, apparently heading for an NNPC facility along Maiduguri-Damboa road have died in their IED laden vehicles," a statement by Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said.

"The explosions took place at Mule in the outskirt of Maiduguri. Three of the four explosive laden vehicles were demobilized by shots fired at them by soldiers at the check point shortly before the explosions that rocked the area," Olukolade added.

He also said, "Five soldiers were wounded while the civilian casualties are yet to be determined.  More details follow later."