The Nigerian army has alerted residents of restive north-east Borno state on Friday of a planned attack by Boko Haram terrorists using beggars and other strategies.
Military spokesman Colonel Mustapha Anka said concealed explosives in bundles of firewood were to be placed in crowded and strategic areas of Maiduguri, the state capital, and the environs to cause havoc.
“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.
The terrorists had also devised a new means of attracting the public by shouting Boko Haram! to create panic, according to the colonel.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has put a ban on fireworks displays throughout the holiday period.
Borno state had imposed a total ban on vehicular movement during the New Year celebrations.
