Nigerian Army on Friday alerted Borno residents about a planned attack by Boko Haram insurgents using beggars and other strategies.
Col. Mustapha Anka, Media Coordinator of the Theater Command of Operation Lafiya Dole raised the warning in a statement in Maiduguri.
Anka said, “The attention of Operation Lafiya Dole has been drawn to a terrorists’ intention to use beggars to cause mayhem in the state.
“Under the plan, concealed explosives in bundles of firewood are to be placed in crowded and strategic areas of Maiduguri and its environs to cause havoc.’’
He said the insurgents have also devised a new means of attracting the public by shouting Boko Haram to create panic.
“Additionally, the general public should be weary of a terrorist’s plan to deceive the public by way of shouting `Boko Haram’ to create panic in order to lure unsuspecting public for maximum casualty while detonating their bombs during and after the new year celebrations,” Anka said.
He, therefore, advised residents to be extra vigilant during and after the New Year celebrations.
He said, “The Theater wishes to remind the public to be extra vigilant during and after the new year celebrations as the ban on bangers and fireworks is still in force.’’
Meanwhile, the state government announced total restriction on vehicular movement during the New Year celebration on Friday.
-Vanguard