Boko Haram to bomb Borno with beggars - military

The Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole of the Nigerian Army has raised the alarm that Boko Haram insurgents are planning to execute bomb attacks in Borno using beggars among other strategies.

Media coordinator of the command, Col. Mustapha Anka, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri, saying, “The attention of the Operation Lafiya Dole has been drawn to terrorists’ intention to use beggars to cause mayhem in the state.


“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 recording larger casualty figures by attracting the public with shouts of ‘Boko Haram’ to create panic and draw more people to places where attacks would take place.

He said, “Additionally, the general public should be weary of the terrorists’ plan to deceive the public by 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.”

He, therefore, advised residents to be vigilant during and after the New Year celebrations, adding that the ban on bangers and fireworks was still in force.