The ban was necessitated, following security reports at the disposal of the Military, indicating; "concerted efforts by Boko Haram Terrorists to unleash mayhem on some parts of Borno State, particularly Maiduguri metropolis during the Christmas celebration."
This was contained in a statement signed by the Army Public Relations Officer of the headquarters of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Col. Sani Usman.
Usman in the statement however said that; "This directives excludes those on essential services such as medical services, fire services, and the media, duly authorized by their establishments.
It reads in part: "This measure becomes necessary in order to further safeguard lives and property of law abiding citizens in the state.”
"While wishing you a hitch free yuletide period, members of the public are requested to be more vigilant and security conscious throughout the period and report any suspicious person or movement to the nearest security agency. We wish to assure the good people of Borno State and indeed all law abiding citizens that the military is doing all it could to root out terrorists causing mayhem in the society.”
"Therefore, we solicit for your continued support and understanding in the fight against insurgents and terrorism in the country."
Meanwhile, the Yobe State government yesterday announced a five-day ban on all kinds of vehicles within the state, as a measure to avert possible attacks by Boko Haram terrorists, especially during the yuletide
The ban, according to a statement issued by Abdullahi Bego, the special adviser on Press Affairs and Information to Yobe State governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, was sanctioned by the governor at the end of a Security Council meeting in Damaturu, the state capital.
The vehicular movement restriction would commence from 6pm today, 24 December to 7am on Sunday, December 28, 2014.
But unlike in Borno State where all vehicular movements will be restricted for the same period of five days, the ban in Yobe State is only for vehicles coming into or leaving the state.
The statement however added, that people in various towns across the state can move with their vehicles freely within their own towns except during the curfew hours imposed earlier.
He clarified that hospital ambulance services on emergency assignments will be exempted from these restrictions.
“The state government and security agencies took these decisions in view of the need to ensure the safety and security of citizens throughout the state, especially in the festive, yuletide season,” the statement said.
Bego advised the people to show understanding and patience as these measures were taken in the overall interest of the state and the people.
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