The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army has banned all vehicular movements in and around Maiduguri, the Borno State capital for 72 hours.
This followed alleged intelligence reports which indicated that the Boko Haram insurgents had concluded plans to unleash another round of terror and mass killings of worshipers during the Eid- el-kabir celebrations in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The restriction of movement was ordered to commence from Friday October 3, 2014, to Monday October 6, 2014 from the hours of 5pm on Friday to 7 am Monday.
The ban was contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel SK Usman. Usman advised the residents to obey the order as failure to do so, would be met with severe sanctions.
The statement read, “The report at the disposal of the security agencies, reveal that Boko Haram terrorists have perfected plans to launch multiple bomb attacks in Maiduguri metropolis and the other major towns across Borno State during the 2014 Eid el Kabir celebrations, using motor vehicles and tricycles among others.
“Their main targets include Sallah prayer grounds, markets and other public places. In view of this, all vehicular movements are banned in the entire state from 5pm on Friday October 3 (yesterday) to 7pm on Monday October 6, 2014”.
“Members of the general public are therefore advised to perform their Eid-el- Kabir prayers at prayer grounds nearest to their respective residences.
“While necessary security measures are being implemented, members of the public are hereby requested to comply fully with this embargo as defaulters will be severely sanctioned.
“However, workers on essential duties such as hospitals and fire service with clear identification are exempted. Members are also requested to report any suspicious movement of persons or vehicles around their environment to the nearest security agency.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, Wilson Inalegwu has assured residents of the federal capital, maximum security throughout the Sallah celebration.
Inalegwu who briefed newsmen on the security situation in the FCT, said, “this year’s Eid-el-kabir celebration will be coming up today. To this end, the FCT Police Command has made an elaborate security arrangement to ensure that Muslim faithful and other residents have a peaceful and crime free celebration.”
Inalegwu further said that there was “provision for adequate security coverage for all the prayer grounds and venues of celebration/recreation in the FCT,” adding that “Area Commanders, DPOs and other Commanding Officers have been mandated to be on their duty posts and render hourly situation report to the Command from their various jurisdictions.”
