By Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri

The Nigerian military has imposed total restriction on vehicular movement in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State throughout the Christmas season.

In a statement released in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the military said it had intelligence that Boko Haram insurgents planned to carry out coordinated attacked on some parts of the state, particularly the capital and its environs, during the holiday season.

The statement signed by the public relations officer of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Sani Usman, a Colonel, said the ban affects all forms of vehicular movement in the state capital from 6.00 pm on Wednesday, December 24 to 7.00 am Sunday, December 28.

He said the decision to restrict movement was taken in consultation with the Borno State government and other security agencies in the state.

Usman, however, stated that the restriction would not affect people involved in essential and emergency duties such as medical services, fire service and journalists who are duly authorized by their establishments. While wishing the people a hitch free holiday, the military admonished residents to be more vigilant and security conscious throughout the period and report any suspicious persons or movement to the nearest security agency.

It assured the people that other security measures had been put in place, apart from the vehicular movement restriction and sought the continuing support and understanding of the public in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism in the state and the country at large.