The Nigerian military yesterday said that Boko Haram insurgents were planning to carry out multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during this year’s Sallah festival and in order to thwart such deadly plans, a restriction has been placed on the movement of vehicles throughout the state.
A statement issued in Maiduguri by Colonel Sani Usman, a spokesman of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, said information “at the disposal of security agencies reveals that Boko Haram terrorists have perfected plans to launch multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri metropolis and other major towns across Borno State during the Eid El Kabir celebrations 2014 using motor vehicles, tricycles, etc. Their main targets include Sallah praying grounds, markets and other public places”.
To counter the threats, the statement declared that vehicular movement would be banned in the entire state from 5 p.m. on Friday, October 3, to 7 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2014. “Members of the general public are advised to perform their Eid El Kabir prayers at praying grounds nearest to their respective residences”, the military ordered.
The statement added: “While necessary security measures are being implemented, members of the general public are hereby requested to comply fully with this embargo as defaulters will be severely sanctioned. However, workers on essential services such as hospitals and fire services with clear identification are exempted.
“Members of the public are also requested to please report any suspicious movement of persons or vehicles around their environments to the nearest security agencies”.
