Thuraya Phones Banned In Borno State To Thwart Their Use In Attacks By Boko Haram

The Nigerian military yesterday banned the use of Thuraya phones and their recharge cards in Borno State, hotbed of Boko Haram militancy in a move described as an anti-terrorist measure.

A statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, the JTF’s spokesman in Maiduguri, stated: 

“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 students and some Imams.” “With effect from 19 June, 2013, the JTF [has imposed a] ban on the use and sale of Thuraya phones and accessories including Thuraya recharge cards in Borno States.” It warned that “anyone seen with Thuraya phones, recharge cards and accessories will be arrested.”