The military yesterday announced a four-day curfew in Borno State following intelligence report indicating plans by Boko Haram to attack public buildings, places of worship and markets.

Spokesman of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army Maiduguri, Colonel Sani Usman, a Deputy Director of Army Relations (DDAPR), said intelligence available to security agencies in the state shows that Boko Haram planned to attack various places, including praying grounds, during the Muslim festival using improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The curfew, according to him, takes effect from Friday evening till Monday morning.

“Report at the disposal of the 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 motorcycles, tricycles, etc. Their main targets include Sallah praying grounds, markets and other public places.

“In view of this, all manner of vehicular movement are banned in the entire state from 5pm on Friday, October 3, 2014 to 7am 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,” Usman said through the statement.

He said necessary security measures are being implemented by security agencies in the state but warned residents “to comply fully with this embargo.” He said defaulters will be severely sanctioned, adding that workers on essential services such as hospitals and fire services with clear identification will be exempted from the restriction of movement.

He appealed to people to report any “suspicious movement of persons or vehicles around their environment to the nearest security agencies.”

Muslims all over the world are expected to celebrate their Eid-el-Kabir (feast of sacrifice) this weekend even as Nigerian government declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays “to allow Muslims celebrate the festival.”

•Text courtesy of Saturday Sun. Photo shows Boko Haram terrorists.

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