Borno lifts two-hour curfew

The Borno State Government yesterday lifted the three-week two-hour curfew to commence from 10.30pm to 6am daily, following the advised of the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Rogers Nicholas in Maiduguri.

The increased two-hour curfew (8-10pm) was imposed on residents of Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Council area of the state to enable troops continues with their counter-insurgency operations for three weeks in the northeast.

The curfew is now reviewed to hold between 10:30pm and 6am daily, with effect from today.

Nicholas had on Friday, January 5, this year, increased the curfew period from 8pm to 6am daily, instead of the 10pm to 6am to enable troops of Operation Lafiya Dole commence a three-week special military operation in northern Borno and Sambisa Forest.

“We need sufficient time to complete the ongoing special operation launched against Boko Haram insurgents in the state,” he said
regarding the curfew review.

Commissioner of Information, Dr. Mohammed Bulama, in a statement yesterday in Maiduguri, also said the two-hour increase for three weeks had been lifted, commencing today.

According to him: “Government, after due consultation with Nicholas and other relevant security agencies, decided to review the curfew from 10.30pm to 6am.

“Government once again deeply regrets the understandably difficult situation the development inevitably created, as well as the great inconvenience the general public had suffered during the three weeks 6am to 8pm curfew.

“The decision was taken to protect people’s lives and property, while the special military operations continue.”

The statement continued: “Government urges residents of Borno State to cooperate with security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram. They should be vigilant by reporting any suspicious movements in their community to security operatives for prompt action against terrorism and other criminal activities in the state.

“Government will always sacrifice all to ensure peace, stability, development and progress of not only our dear state, but Nigeria as a whole.

“We also appreciated the understanding, support and cooperation of the general public and urged them to be law abiding. Very soon, the state government will lift the 7.5 hours curfew.”