SECURITY ISSUES, THE MAIN CONCERN OF EVERY NIGERIAN

Against the backdrop of the massive air bombardments and artillery pounding of Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East, military authorities have issued a security alert warning of plans by the group to carry out suicide bombings in several parts of the country.

The plot, it was gathered, is aimed at diverting attention from the epicentre of the terror war in North-East with the killing of unsuspecting members of the public in a soft target siege at such places like markets, recreation grounds, gardens and important national monuments.

Nigerian troops in collaboration with forces from neighbouring countries on the platform of the Multinational Joint Task Force, MJTF, have decimated most of the operational bases of Boko Haram terrorists while many of them have been killed.

In their bid to remain relevant and attract importance, the group has once again reverted to the use of suicide bombers in its evil campaign against Nigeria as witnessed in places like Kano, Jos, Yobe etc.

The security alert wants Nigerians to be vigilant and on the look-out for potential suicide bombers already brainwashed and probably drugged by the terrorists. Top intelligence sources insisted that Boko Haram members, in their desperation to escape the military onslaughts on their camps and their bid to retaliate such offensive, may have resorted to suicide bombings which was their hit-and-run tactic used mostly between 2012 and 2013.

This time around, however, the terrorists have been using children and teenagers especially females to perpetrate their nefarious activities on soft targets in some Northern states. “Their major mission is to attack soft targets like motor parks, schools, worship centres, markets among others for maximum casualty among the citizens,” a source said.

It was further gathered that some of the explosive devices used for suicide bombing were dynamite materials stolen from quarry industries within and outside the country. However, the collaboration against religious extremism forged by countries around the Lake Chad Basin has so far frustrated the insurgents that it is now difficult for them to strike in Nigeria and run to neighbouring countries who have sealed off their borders against the terrorists hence the resort to soft targets.

In the last two weeks, several towns and local governments in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, including the training facilities and logistic dumps of the insurgents have been reclaimed by Nigerians troops.

Reacting to the development, Directorate of State Services, DSS, in a statement issued at the weekend said: “It has become evident that following the successful, sustained air raids and intense combat operations by the military on insurgents’ positions in the North-East which had effectively degraded the capacity of the terrorists, its members are now in disarray and have resorted to taking out their anger on hapless civilians and soft targets.

“This development accounts for the recent spate of attacks recorded in Yobe, Kano, Borno and Plateau States with intent of distracting security forces. “Accordingly, this Service wishes to advice members of the public to be vigilant especially in crowded environment and when travelling. Commuters should desist from boarding unmarked vehicles along the road and only use designated motor parks.

“We also reiterate our call on motor park managers to ensure proper screening of vehicles, persons and luggage entering their premises. They should also look out for new faces who show up as drivers and conductors.”