The military has outlawed satellite phones in Borno state in northern Nigeria, in an attempt to make it difficult for members of the Boko Haram sect to communicate and coordinate attacks in the state.
Nigeria’s Joint Task Force (JTF) made the announcement, which will ban the sale and use of Thuraya satellite phones in the region that is currently under a state of emergency rule pronounced by President Goodluck Jonathan to bring about peace and order in the northern region of Nigeria.
"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,” Lt Colonel Sagir Musa, JTF spokesman, said in a statement.
He added that the ban takes effect immediately.
"Anyone seen with Thuraya phones, recharge cards and accessories will be arrested," he said.
