Blast Rocks Shopping Center in Nigeria Capital

A loud explosion hit a crowded shopping center on Wednesday in Nigeria's capital Abuja, which has been repeatedly attacked by Boko Haram Islamists, the national rescue agency said.

"We received the information at about 4:00 pm (1500 GMT) about a blast" at the Emab Plaza, not far from the seat of government, said Manzo Ezekiel, spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

"Rescue operation has already commenced," he told AFP.