- 24-Hour Curfew Impose In Maiduguri By Military
The Nigeria Defence Headquarters today said their troop that is currently deployed in the continuing war between security operatives and insurgents have so far arrested 65 persons suspected to be Boko Haram members, who were on the run from some camps that are under military barrage.
According to a statement issued by the Defence Headquarters and signed by Director of Defence Information, Brig.Gen. Chris Olukolade also added that some vehicles and tricycles were recovered from the suspects.
The statement read thus; “In continuation of the mission to rid the nation’s territories of all insurgents’ activities, the Special Forces have apprehended 65 persons confirmed to be terrorists as they made attempt to infiltrate Maiduguri while fleeing from various camps now under attack. A total of 11 vehicles, 4 tricycles and 24 handsets were also seized in the process. All the suspects are in custody of Joint Task Force and are currently being interrogated.
“Meanwhile of the camps of the terrorists have been found deserted by fleeing insurgents when troops of the Special Task Force stormed the localities. The facilities have been occupied by troops.
The DHQ also said that;“In another development, troops have engaged and dislodged elements of insurgents groups who carried out attacks on citizens in localities such as Gamboru ward yesterday. At the end of the encounter, a total of 10 suspected terrorists were confirmed dead while weapons such as Rocket Propelled Grenade launchers, assorted ammunition and rifle magazines were recovered. The area is being combed to fish out any of the surviving insurgents.”
Counting further its success so far the DHQ added that; “Also, some of the fleeing insurgents from various camps have been noted to be in search of fuel from neighboring communities. Citizens are advised to report to JTF, any group of persons roaming around the local communities with large quantities of containers in search of fuel. The advance of troops is continuing in all fronts as scheduled.
“The Defence Headquarters has further enjoined the troops to sustain the intensity of the operations.”
Meanwhile in a another development, the Joint Task Force has imposed a 24- hour curfew in major parts of Maiduguri, these are part of measures undertaken to tighten the noose on the Boko Haram insurgents that are still operating in the city.
In a statement signed by Lt. Colonel Sagir Musa said the decision is to allow the military sustain on-going special operation to flush out insurgents from the metropolis.
Lt. Col Musa said; “The Joint Task Force (JTF) in order to sustain special operations in the face of recent Boko Haram attack in some areas within Maiduguri metropolis is imposing 24 hours curfew with effect from today, Saturday May 18, 2012. The 24 hours curfew is hereby imposed in the following wards and areas: Gamboru,Mairi Kuwait,Bakin Kogi,Kasuwan Shanu,Ruwan Zafi,202 Quarters, Dikwa Quarters, Low-Cost Sinimari, 505 Housing Estate, Chad Basin Area, 303 Housing Estate and Baga road areas. The JTF appeals to the general public to continue to cooperate with the security agencies by providing credible and timely information.”
“The curfew is necessary to comb some areas in the city. We know the terrorists are using the innocent civilians as shield to perpetrate their crimes and I think the curfew will help us to fish them out. That’s why we need the cooperation and understanding of the people.”
Adding that; “a house-to-house search may be conducted” in parts of the city affected by the curfew.
