Nigerian volatile northeast Maiduguri city has been witnessing heavy security check by military troops and youth vigilante following threats of bomb attack days after twin explosion killed at least six people in a crowded market.
Residents also said they have been experiencing unusual sound of gunshots daily mostly at the city outskirts, fuelling fears in the metropolis.
A military source however said the shooting is a friendly one to test weapon and make troops alert always. “Nothing unusual about it. The shooting you’ve been hearing early in the morning and late in the night are friendly fire. No need for panic,” the military officer who did not want to be named told 247ureports in Maiduguri.
He said the stop, search and checks on vehicles in the was to apprehend suspected Boko Haram bombers believed to have infiltrated the city and halt planned attacks, adding that “security reports indicated some female bombers and their accomplices are in town.”
The source also said the random search on houses in the area since Wednesday by security agencies was in response to the security alert.
A youth vigilante, Abba Grema told 247ureports at least six women with explosive devices were arrested in different locations in the metropolis mid week. “We caught about six women who hid bombs (Improvised Explosive Devices) under their hijab (veil), some in their bags while some on their bodies. We have female volunteers who are also checking and searching women. We’ve handed the suspects over to the military,” he said.
Ali Mohammed, a resident and eyewitness said two of the suspects were apprehended at the crowded Post Office area-the heart of the city. “A lady was caught with IEDs in her bagon Wednesday evening while bomb was also discovered in a black nylon with a another who appeared like a mad woman,” he disclosed.
Boko Haram which seek to enshrine strict Islamic Law in Nigerian northern states has carried out series of coordinated attacks in the region since 2009 when it launched its offensive in the northeast Maiduguri, Borno State capital and its birthplace.
Over 100 Muslim worshippers were killed as two suicide bombers believed to be Boko Haram hit a mosque in northwest Kano city last Friday during prayer. A twin bomb blast by two female bombers also killed at least six people in Maiduguri Monday market last Tuesday barely a week after another twin explosion in same market killed nearly 30 people.
The Nigerian government is seeking approval from the National Assembly for an extension of emergency rule in the three northeast states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, epicentre of the five years old insurgency.
