JTF's Maiduguri's House To House Search Yields Thousands Of Guns

SAN FRANCISCO, NOVEMBER 03, (THEWILL) – The military Joint Security Taskforce (JTF) in Borno State Thursday said its house to house search and October 31, 2011, deadline to individuals and groups to surrender their arms and ammunitions has led to the recovery of more than 5, 000 assault rifles and ammunitions.

THEWILL gathered that some of the weapons were recovered from refuse dump sites in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, while some were voluntarily turned in.

The JTF had warned that it would prosecute anyone found in possession of guns and ammunitions as it moved to end the reign of terror in the state.

Borno State is the ‘headquarters’ of the radical Islamic sect Boko Haram which says it wants Islamic laws enforced in all northern states of Nigeria. The sect has claimed responsibility for several fatal bomb attacks on police stations, military barracks and patrol vehicles in the north.

JTF spokesman, Lt. Colonel Hassan Mohammed has assured residents of Borno that the taskforce would restore peace and normalcy to the state, while he appealed for support from residents.