Maj. Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, the Theater Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, has warned motorists and commuters of the Maiduguri-Damaturu road, to avoid halting at irregular checkpoints, as Boko Haram now have checkpoints pretending to be soldiers.
According to a statement released by the Maj. General, there are reports that Boko Haram insurgent group now create fake security checkpoints, dress in stolen military uniforms to attack motorists on the road.
The fake checkpoints by Boko haram include Njimtilo, Auno, Jakana, Ngamdu and Kukareta, however, the men of Nigerian Army have intensified patrols in the areas and have deployed more officers to ensure that security is maintained in that area.
“The problem is that Boko Haram insurgents dressed in Nigeria army stolen uniforms, having painted Hilux in Nigeria army special camouflage colours, stop some vehicles and abduct innocent Nigerians.
“So between Maiduguri and Damaturu, I have ordered that no checking of persons except at recognised checkpoints inside Auno, Jakana, Minok, Banishaik, Ngamdu, Kukareta.
” Those checkpoints have been there for years and they do not even check individuals, they just make sure Boko Haram do not sneak terrorists and IED-laden vehicles into the two cities.
” So if anybody is being asked to stop in between these towns, they should be very careful. Several soldiers and other security personnel are on that road 24 hours,” he said.
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“Other military operations were carried out on the road and several kilometres away from the road. More resources are being put on that road because we realise how vital that road is to all Nigerians,” he said.
Adeniyi further disclosed that Boko Haram now use the method of ISIS by refraining from attacking some areas and getting public opinion on their side just in a bid to set up a caliphate.
He said;
“When they enter villages, they will tell them (people) not to run, that they should cool down that they are not there to harm them. They are doing this in hope that they are going to form whatever geographical entity that also run a fake state like ISIS.”