The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno state yesterday imposed a ban on the use of Thuraya phones and other cell phones, citing renewed attacks and killings in recent time by the Boko Haram insurgents as reason for the ban.

    The JTF through a statement signed by its spokesman, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa said the insurgents had been communicating with Thuraya, an international mobile satellite phone now being used in Borno State almost five weeks now since the shutdown of GSM phone services by the security agencies.

    A top security source had hinted in e recent chat with Daily Sun that the security chiefs in the country resolved to cut off the services of the GSM providers in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states shortly after the declaration of the state of emergency in the areas of President Goodluck Jonathan to ‘block further communication among the Boko Haram members’, adding that it was part of the strategies to address the insurgency problem.

    However, the JFT said its attention had been drawn to the use of Thuraya by Boko Haram terrorists to coordinate their recent assassination of the civilians especially school children and some imams.