The Nigerian military on Monday warned Nigerians that Boko Haram terrorists might have devised a new strategy to carry out terrorist attacks and harm innocent people in public places.
In a statement issued on Monday by Rabe Abubakar, a Brigadier General and acting director, Defence Information, the military said the group’s new trick is to raise an alarm in public and get a large number of people to gather before launching an attack in order to wreak maximum havoc.
“Some of such tactics they now use include crying and feigning pains and shouting to attract sympathy from unsuspecting public. When a lot of people of goodwill gather to render help in the process, the suicide bomber detonates bombs which they conceal under their clothes. The recent suicide bombing in Damaturu is instructive,” the Defence Headquarters said.
Warning the people “to be wary of such antics of the terrorists”, the military said that the insurgents will continue to carry out desperate acts of terrorism in order to instil fear on citizens.
It warned further: “Similarly, suicide bombers used monetary incentives and other inducements especially in crowded places to lure innocent citizens in order to cause colossal damage to both lives and property. Yola suicide incident is fresh in our memory.”
The statement also warned Nigerians to be “extra vigilant and weary of terrorist malevolence” in public places including parks, worship centres and recreation spots during the holiday period.