In a separate attack, the military said Boko Haram Islamic extremists attacked a rural military camp in northeast Yobe state overnight but were repulsed by troops who killed at least 100 insurgents.
Army spokesman Col. Sani Usman said seven troops died in the fighting and nine were injured in the village of Goniri.
Hours later, around 6 am when mosques are filled with the faithful performing early-morning prayers, the suicide bombers struck in Damaturu, Yobe's commercial center.
He said he counted 15 bodies and 12 wounded people rushed to the hospital in Damaturu, which has suffered dozens of attacks during the 6-year-old Islamic uprising.
Residents blamed them for the dawn attack on Buhari Housing Estate, apparently named after President Muhammadu Buhari.
The insurgents have stepped up attacks since Buhari, briefly a military dictator 30 years ago, took office in May pledging to halt the insurgency.
Most attacks take place in the northeast and have spilled over into neighboring countries that regularly suffer suicide bomb explosions and hit-and-run raids.
Amnesty International estimates 20,000 people have died in the insurgency.
Risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft has recorded 3,770 civilian deaths this year linked to Boko Haram's uprising.
You’ve hit your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app