The Boko Haram insurgents have allegedly issued an ultimatum to residents of Jakana and Mainok towns in Borno State to vacate or get killed.
Sources in Jakana town told Journalists that the insurgents gave them today (Wednesday) as deadline to vacate the town or risk being attacked.
“After the attack at Aunu, they (insurgents) sent us a message to vacate the town, latest by Wednesday (Today),” one of the residents said.
However, a security source told journalists that the military, in conjunction with Special Forces were currently conducting
The operations, which started in the early hours of Wednesday, was still ongoing as at 12noon at the two towns along Maiduguri/ Damaturu highway.
According to the security source, hundreds of motorists plying the highway were halted at Njimtilo military check-points as the highway was shut down by the military.
“We are working based on information we got, so the hallmark of this operation is to save lives. It is in the interest of the general public, as soon as we are through with our operation, the restrictions of vehicles will be lifted,” the security source said.
Stranded drivers and passengers at motor parks in the affected areas complained they have no clue as to why the roads had remained closed ever since the usual 6:00 am curfew had been lifted.
When Daily trust contacted the leadership of road transport workers in Yobe State, an official who doesn’t want to be mentioned, confirmed that none of their drivers had plied the affected roads today.
“We contacted, the military to know why the roads were closed, they told us that an operation was going on around Damaturu – Maiduguri area but, it would be open shortly after,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, the Army said it was only carrying out a clearance and snap checks operations in the general area to clear suspected Boko Haram terrorists along that road.
“Our attention has been drawn to rumours that the Nigerian Army has closed Maiduguri-Damaturu road. This is not true.
“What is happening is an ongoing clearance and snap checks operations in the general area required to clear suspected Boko Haram terrorists along that road.
“The clearance operation is ultimately for the safety and security of motorists and other road users,” the statement signed by Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director of Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole said.
The Army advised members of the public to cooperate and bear with the troops as they carry out these duties.
