TheCable

The theatre command of Operation Lafiya Dole of the Nigerian army has alerted Borno residents on plans by Boko Haram to execute bomb attacks using beggars and other strategies.

Mustapha Anka, a colonel and media coordinator of the theatre, made this known in a statement in Maiduguri.

“The attention of the Operation Lafiya Dole has been drawn to a terrorists’ intention to use beggars to cause mayhem in the state,” he said

“Under the plan, concealed explosives in bundles of firewood are to be placed in crowded and strategic areas of Maiduguri and environs to cause havoc.’’

He said that the insurgents had also devised a new means of attracting the public by shouting Boko Haram to create panic.

“Additionally, the general public should be weary of a terrorists plan to deceive the public by way of shouting ‘Boko Haram’ to create panic in order to lure unsuspecting public for maximum casualty while detonating their bombs during and after the new year celebrations,” Anka said.

He, therefore, advised residents to be extra vigilant during and after the new year celebrations, saying: “The theatre wishes to remind the public to be extra vigilant during and after the new year celebrations, as the ban on bangers and fireworks is still in force.’’

The state government earlier announced “total restriction” on vehicular movement during the new year celebration.