Boko Haram Again? Twin Explosions Scare Maiduguri Residents

Nigerian soldiers have played down reports of another bomb invasion by Boko Haram fighters following two loud explosions in the north-eastern part of Nigeria.

Nigerian military

 

Fear gripped Maiduguri residents as two loud explosions were heard in the city on Monday evening around 7:55pm Nigerian time following several months of silence, according to Sahara Reporters.

 

It would be recalled that residents recently suffered rounds of bombings by the Boko Haram sect despite the claims that they have been totally subdued by the Nigerian army.

Many major streets in the city, the Borno State capital, became deserted, with most of the shops shutting down.  Even the popular Civil Defense and Circular Junction remained empty.

 

Members of the “Civilian JTF” were seen checking motorists along Polo, Old GRA, and Circular road junctions. The army has now explained that it was responsible for the explosions and appealed for calm. 

Responding to the inquiries of journalists, Col. Mustapha Anka, the spokesperson of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, described the occurrence as normal military routine.

Writing on Operation Lafiya Dole medium, he said, "Confirmed it was a "test firing" of guns. I was told it was announced earlier. Let everyone be calm.”

It would be recalled that suicide attacks have been reported twice in recent weeks. Two days ago, a suicide bomber was shot and killed near the Internally Displaced Persons “Bakassi” camp.