Christmas: Vehicular Movement Restricted In Maiduguri

BEVERLY HILLS, December 24, (THEWILL) – All vehicular movements have been restricted in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during the Christmas holiday.

The military, which ordered the total restriction, said the decision was based on security reports and the need to nip in the bud any plan by Boko Haram insurgents to strike during the holiday.

In a statement issued Tuesday and signed by the Army Public Relations Officer of the headquarters of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Col. Sani Usman, the military said information at its disposal indicate that Boko Haram was planning to unleash mayhem in some parts of the state particularly Maiduguri during the Christmas celebration.

The statement said the Nigerian Army in consultation with the Borno State Government and other security agencies has decided to impose a total ban on all forms of vehicular movement in the state from 6pm on Wednesday, December 24 to 7 am on Sunday December 28.

According to the statement, those on essential services such as medical services, fire service and the media who are duly authorised by their establishments, are however exempted from the restriction.

Maintaining that the restriction is to further safeguard the lives and property of law abiding citizens in the state, the statement urged all residents of the state to be more vigilant and security conscious throughout the period and report any suspicious person or movement to the nearest security agency.

It however assured that the military would do all it could to flush out the terrorists from the state in particular and the country in general.