Movement By Horses Banned in Borno to Curb Boko Haram Attacks

 

A statement by the regional military spokesman,Colonel Tukur Gusau on Tuesday, 8th of September has revealed the Nigerian military has banned the use of horses in Borno state for the purpose of curbing the incessant attacks by Boko Haram fighters who have employed the usage of the animal in causing mayhem.

In recent weeks, militants on horses have attacked remote communities in the region, as an extensive military offensive to rout the insurgents intensified.

According to Gusau, the military surge in the region had thrown the Islamic State group-allied rebels into “disarray”, cutting off their supply lines including for fuel. Gusau said that this act "has forced the terrorists to abandon their vehicles due to lack of fuel and resort to the use of horses in carrying out attacks in remote villages".

Gusau also says that the state-wide ban on horse-riding will allow soldiers to “distinguish locals from terrorists”. He said:"We know that only the terrorists will flout this ban and our troops will take the appropriate action when they come across such terrorists in accordance with the rules of engagement‎."

Malam Ba’Kura, a local chief in the recently liberated Dikwa district of northern Borno, confirmed the ban and said it had been endorsed by the state’s most influential chief and religious figures.