Abuja — All vehicular movement in Nigeria's North-eastern state of Borno has been banned from Christmas eve to Sunday morning to prevent attacks by militant Islamists, the army has said.
The decision has led to thousands of people rushing to get to their destinations. Neighbouring Yobe has also barred vehicles from entering or leaving the state.
Army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman said security reports indicated that Boko Haram planned to launch "massive attacks" during the Christmas period in Borno, especially on the state capital Maiduguri.
This is even as a suicide bomber, who rammed into a military checkpoint in Bajoga, Gombe State, failed to achieve his mission, Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.
His attempt to escape also failed, as he was brought down by vigilant soldiers when he tried to flee after hitting a military Amoured Personnel Carrier with his IED-laden Honda car. The explosives, which failed to detonate, have been evacuated and handed to the police.