In a bid to ensure a peaceful Salah celebration in the North Eastern region of the country, the Nigerian Army has placed a certain restriction on the movement of vehicles in Borno and Yobe states throughout the of Eid-El-Kabir Holiday.

In Borno State, a press statement signed by the spokesperson of the 7th division of the Nigerian Army headquarters in Maiduguri, Sanni Usman, a Colonel, said vehicular movements in all sensitive areas were banned from 5.00 pm on Friday, October 3 to Monday, October 6.

The statement said that Boko Haram terrorists had put strategists in place to unleash multiple attacks on the state capital and other cities during this festive period with the use of motorcycles.

The statement noted that the dreaded insurgents’ major targets are praying grounds, where hundreds of Muslims will be gathered to offer prayers, markets and other public places.

“Members of the general public are advised to perform their Eid-El-Kabir prayers in praying grounds nearest to their respective residences, the statement urged.

The Army said that while security measures are being put in place to ensure peaceful celebration, residents are urged to adhere strictly to the restriction placed on movement, adding that whoever is found to break the order would seriously be dealt with.

The restriction placed on the movement of vehicles in Yobe State, however, affects only motorists traveling in and outside the state. On Friday morning, vehicles were ordered to turn back in Damaturu, the state capital and motorists and passengers expressed surprise as there was no prior notice to that effect.

However, vehicles would be allowed to move about major towns and cities in the state throughout the Salah celebration.