President Muhammadu Buhari said security remains his highest priority and sent his condolences to the families of the victims of the recent blasts in Maiduguri.
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“As they join the global Islamic community in celebrating Eid-El-Kabir, President Buhari urges Muslims and other Nigerians to rededicate themselves to a greater acceptance and internalisation of its lessons of piety, faithfulness, dedication, fortitude, obedience, sacrifice and selfless service which are for the benefit of all mankind”, Garba Shehu said.
However, hundreds of Muslim faithful, including women and children, trekked long distances and braved their way to the Eid ground in Ramat Square Maiduguri.
Usman said 43 suspected Boko Haram fighters were detained in Tuesday’s operations in Jangurori and Bulatori villages, including a suspected regional commander or “emir”.
Boko Haram’s leader Abubakar Shekau last weekend dismissed the military’s repeated assertion the group was in disarray and a spent force as “lies”.
More than 100 people were killed in coordinated bombings by Islamic extremists in northeastern Nigeria on Sunday, said members of a civilian defense group.
Nigeria is leading a new task force – consisting of 8,700 troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin – which is believed to have scored some successes, such as the recapture of a key town in Borno.
In neighboring Adamawa state, a university opened after Boko Haram was forced out by the military has hired local hunters to defend students and staff from Boko Harm attacks.
Some 140 kilometres (87 miles) away in the garrison town of Monguno, more than 20 were killed when a bomb went off at a crowded evening market.
“The number of security personnel is OK, but it is not deployed in the correct way”.
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“I am afraid. I am not going to any mosque to observe the Eid prayers because nobody is sure”.
