The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday, January 29, 2015 intimated the general public of a plot by insurgent group, Boko Haram to use explosives-laden camels, goats and donkeys to carry out bomb attacks at political rallies, worship centers and markets, warning herdsmen to steer clear of city centers as they would bnot be allowed access.
Mike Omeri, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency and Coordinator of the National Information Centre on the war against terrorism made this known at a press briefing where he also revealed that the insurgents also had plans to use men disguised as cobblers to attack Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), restaurants and other public places.
In Omeri’s words: “Available intelligence reports indicate a plan by Boko Haram to use young male suicide bombers disguised as cobblers to hide explosives in their tool boxes and detonate them in soft target areas such as markets, restaurants, ATM locations, political rallies, worship centres, as well as other public places.
“Also, there is indication of a plan by this group to use livestock such as goats, cows, donkeys and camels laden with explosives to attack chosen targets. In view of these, the general public, including all persons within and around the aforementioned places, is advised to be vigilant and mindful of suspicious activities within their environment.”
“The centre wishes to confirm that the persons recently released by Boko Haram are presently in the custody of military authorities. Authoritatively, we can say that these persons are currently undergoing counselling after which they will return home to re-join their kith and kin.
“Most recently it has been discovered that some IDP camps have been infiltrated by agents of the insurgent group and has been giving false and inaccurate reports about the situation in the camps. Unfortunately, these reports have been adopted as true situation by international organisations and media.”
