Borno tightens curfew as Shehu commends Buhari

The Borno State Government has reviewed the curfew in Maiduguri metropolis from 8:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m as against the existing 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m.

The tightening of the curfew came a few hours after the Shehu of Borno commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigeria Army for curtailing Boko Haram fighters.

Dr Mohammed Bulama, the Commissioner, Home Affairs, Information and Culture, said in Maiduguri that the curfew was temporary.

The review, he said, would be between Jan. 2 to Jan. 6, to enhance security in the metropolis.

He disclosed that the curfew was imposed based on advice by the Theatre Command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

“This review is done in the overriding interest of public safety and to ensure that the emerging peace in the state is further consolidated. While deeply regretting any inconvenience this adjustment of curfew timing may cause, the Borno State Government craves the understanding and full cooperation of the general public,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari, over his unflinching commitments to end Boko Haram insurgency.

Garbai made the commendation when the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, paid him a courtesy visit in Maiduguri.

He said that Buhari had demonstrated greater political will to end insurgency and address the humanitarian crisis ravaging the northeast region.

Garbai noted that the insurgents had ravaged the state and destroyed vital social and economic activities in the region.

“In the past three years, Maiduguri International Airport was closed down, major roads linking Maiduguri to other places were blocked by the insurgents. When President Buhari assumed mantle of leadership, he moved the Military Command and Control Center to Maiduguri. The president accorded priority to the provision of logistics and improvement of the welfare of soldiers which motivated them to put in their best and record significant successes against the insurgents. He also appointed our people into key government positions,” he said.

Garbai commended the military for their dedication to counter-campaign and pledged his council’s support to the command.

In his remarks, Nicholas said that he was at the palace to introduce himself and condole with the emir over the unfortunate incidents.