The Nigerian military last night urged extra alertness by the public after uncovering a plot by Boko Haram terrorists to mar the New Year celebrations.

Media Coordinator of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Colonel Mustapha Anka, said the attention of the war centre “has been drawn to terrorists intention to use beggars to cause mayhem, conceal explosive in bundles of firewood to be placed in crowded and strategic areas within Maiduguri and environs.”

He said that “additionally, the general public should be wary of terrorists’ plan to deceive the populace by way of shouting ‘Boko Haram’ to create panic in order to lure unsuspected members of the public for maximum casualty during and after the New Year celebrations.”

”The command wishes to remind the general public to be extra vigilant during and after the new year celebrations as the ban on bangers and fire crackers is still in force,” Colonel Anka said in a statement issued late Thursday night in the Borno State capital, Maiduguri.

•Photo shows Nigerian troops combing a Borno community for BokoHaram insurgents.