The Borno State Police Command has deployed over 1,000 officers across major streets, flashpoints and churches as Christians celebrate Christmas, following a bomb blast that killed five people and injured 35 others at a mosque on Wednesday evening.
PUNCH Online had reported that the blast occurred around 6pm when worshippers had gathered at the Al-Adum Mosque for prayers in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri.
Speaking exclusively to our correspondent on Thursday morning, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, said that although security measures were already in place, Wednesday’s incident necessitated heightened security arrangements.
Daso said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would dominate all worship centres and recreational facilities, while urging residents to go about their lawful activities.
He said, “There will be full domination of security personnel at churches, recreational centres, and strategic locations where people are massively going to. We are on standby.
“It is a joint operation between the police and all emergency and security response teams. The command has deployed over 1,000 personnel within Maiduguri.”
He emphasised that, “Though there were earlier security arrangements, however, with what happened yesterday, we are making it more intense.”
The Police Public Relations Officer called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement.
“We call on members of the public to go about their lawful business. But they should be very mindful and careful of their surroundings and use the designated emergency response number.
“Any suspicious person they see around them should be immediately reported,” he said.
Daso also stated that individuals would be screened before gaining access to worship centres, including churches and mosques.
“In terms of clearance, any individual going to churches must be properly scanned. And the same thing too for the mosque,” he said.
PUNCH had earlier reported that the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, condemned the bomb attack on the mosque, describing it as inhumane and barbaric.
Zulum, in a statement issued on Wednesday night by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly at places of worship during the festive period.
The governor said, “I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack which occurred on Wednesday evening when worshippers were performing Maghrib prayer, killing 5 people and injuring 35 others. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.”
He added, “Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship.
“I wish to express my condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the attack and pray for the repose of their souls, and for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he stated.
The governor assured residents that adequate measures had been taken to forestall any security breach during the festive period and beyond.
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