A car bomb has reportedly exploded near a market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, killing upwards of 17 people.

Reports say people were seen fleeing in different directions and vehicles crashing into each other, as gun shots rent the air after the bombing, early this afternoon.

The military spokesman of the 7 Division Operation in Maiduguri, Col. Mohammed Dole, told Channels Television that security forces were making efforts to get details of the explosion which occurred around 1:30pm.

“A suspect has been arrested in connection with the explosion,” he said.

Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, is known to have carried out similar attacks in the region.

The Nigerian government had declared today a public holiday to enable Muslims mark the Prophet Mohammad’s birthday.

Several military offensives have been launched by the government to quell the insurgency in the northern part of Nigeria.

•Adapted from a Channels TV report.