Military authorities in Nigeria today announced that a ban on the movement of vehicles in Borno State would be extended till Tuesday. According to the military, the original purpose of the ban was to forestall reported plans by Islamist Boko Haram militants to launch a series of car bomb explosions in the state during Sallah festivities.
A statement issued today by Colonel Sani Usman, a spokesman for the 7th Division of the army in Maiduguri, informed the public that “the embargo on all vehicular movement in 7 Division Area of Responsibility has been extended till 7 a.m. on Tuesday, 7th October 2014.”
Last Thursday, the military had announced the original wholesale restriction on vehicular movement. “Report at the disposal of 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 motor vehicles, tricycles, etc.,” the spokesman declared. He continued that the insurgents’ “main targets include Sallah praying grounds, markets and other public places,” adding, “In view of this, all manners of vehicular movement are banned in the entire state from 5 p.m. on Friday, 3 October 2014 to 7 a.m. on Monday, 6 October, 2014.”
The military advised members of the public “to perform their Eid El Kabir prayers at praying grounds nearest to their respective residences.
“While necessary security measures are being implemented, members of the general public are hereby requested to comply fully with this embargo as defaulters will be severely sanctioned.”
The only exemptions from the ban are workers engaged in essential services, such as hospitals and fire services. Such workers are required to carry clear identifications.
The military asked the public to “report any suspicious movement of persons or vehicles around their environments to the nearest security agencies.”