Sallah: Military Restricts Vehicular Movement For 72Hrs In Maiduguri

Ahead of the Eid-el-Fitri celebration in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, military authorities at the 7 Division of the Nigeria Army yesterday banned all vehicular movements within the capital city from Monday to Wednesday.

A statement signed by the division's spokesman, Col. Muhammed
Dole, explained that the 72-hour ban on the use of cars was as a result of intelligence reports that Boko Haram insurgents have perfected plans to detonate bombs in various places of Eid prayer within the Maiduguri metropolis.

The statement reads: "A report at the disposal of the security agencies reveals that the terrorists have perfected plans to launch multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri metropolis. Their main targets include Sallah praying ground markets and other public places by using vehicles such as Volkswagen Golf, Pick-up vans, Keke NAPEP, motorcycles and bicycles.

"In view of this, all vehicular movement within the Maiduguri city is banned from Monday, 28th – Wednesday, 30th July, 2014. Members of the general public are advised to perform their Eid-el Fitri prayer at prayer grounds nearest to their residences. While necessary security measures are being put in place, people are requested to comply fully with this ban as defaulters will be severely sanctioned.

"Members of the public are also requested to report any suspicious movement of persons or vehicles to the nearest security agencies".

Recall that similar restrictions were placed last year land ed to the arrest of suspected suicide bombers during the Eid-el Fitri celebration.