Military authorities have warned Nigerians against falling victims of new modes of operation adopted by Boko Haram insurgents to attract unsuspecting members of the public to themselves before wreaking havoc.
According to a Monday statement by Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar some of the insurgents now resort to crying by the roadside in order to attract the attention of sympathetic passers-by.
He said: “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.
“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.”
He said the terrorists were resorting to these unusual means to perpetuate fear in the mind of Nigerians as they have been driven out of their strongholds and enclaves.
While imploring Nigerians to be vigilant, especially in this festive period, Abubakar urged them to be wary of gathering in crowded parks, worship centres and such places as they are hot targets for terrorists.