The Nigerian doctor who led a team of more than 70 medics to separate conjoined twins Goodness and Mercy Martins has told the BBC he is confident they are strong enough to go home and begin their lives.

Emmanuel Ameh said the girls, who have spent their first 15 months at the National Hospital Abuja, are now able to stand up on their own.

They were operated on at the government-run hospital in the capital, Abuja, in November to separate them at the chest and abdomen.

Dr Ameh told told the BBC’s Newsday programme:

"They are now able to stand on their own without support and we hope that they will start walking.

And their wounds, which were very extensive on their tummy and chest, have healed very well.

They are eating well and growing well and we think it’s safe for them to go home today."

The doctor said the girls would require life-long medical checks and further surgery when older to deal with their scars.