The Joint Task Force (JTF) yesterday
banned the indefinite use of Thuraya mobile phones in all states under
emergency rule, sequel to the rising spate of killings in the states
under emergency rule. Thuraya phones are based on satellite technology
and does not work on any of the existing GSM or CDMA networks in the
country.
Boko Haram has
reportedly resorted to using Thuraya phones to coordinate attacks since
mobile communications were largely suspended by the military.
The
ban on satellite phones may worsen the communication challenges being
faced by residents in the affected states as regular mobile networks
have been largely shut down for about five weeks since emergency rule
was declared.
The spokesman of the
Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, said in a statement that the ban
on Thuraya became necessary as military intelligence revealed that
terrorists now coordinate their attacks using the device.
The JTF said recent attacks on schools and killing of students by Boko Haram were carried out using Thuraya devices.
“The
attention of the JTF has been drawn to the use of Thuraya phones by
Boko Haram terrorists to coordinate their recent assassination of
civilians especially school children and some Imams.
“Therefore,
with effect from 19 June, 2013, the JTF imposes a ban on the use and
sale of Thuraya phones and accessories including Thuraya recharge cards
in Borno State. Anyone seen with Thuraya phones, recharge cards and
accessories will be arrested.
“The
JTF seeks the continued cooperation and understanding of the public on
this ban, in order to enhance security of lives and property in Borno
State,” the statement said.
However, gunmen suspected to be
members of the sect again stormed a private secondary school in the
Customs area of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, yesterday killing
four teachers and two students.
This
is as another set of suspected terrorists laid ambush on a farm situated
along Maiduguri- Mafa- Dikwa Road in the city and killed two farmers.
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