The Joint Task Force in Maiduguri on Wednesday urged residents of the Borno State capital city to be on the alert when vehicles are stolen and promptly report car theft as it could aid in stopping suicide bomb attacks by the Boko Haram sect.

In a statement released by the force, spokesman Lt. Col Sagir Musa, warned of heightened attacks by the terrorist sect.

He said the JTF’s Operation Restore Order unit in Maiduguri has received intelligence regarding plans by the sect to carry IEDs in stolen vehicles. Musa said failure by resident to report stolen vehicles that end up being used in suicide bombing attacks, could spell trouble for the car owners.

“The Task Force wishes to alert members of the public, particularly those whose vehicles have been stolen, to immediately report such incident to the nearest police station or to the JTF as such vehicles if used for terrorism acts would lead to owners of such vehicles being treated as collaborators and accomplices.”

The JTF spokesman further disclosed that his men, alongside the Department of State Services personnel, arrested six suspected members of the Boko Haram sect involved in the 10 June attacks on the EYN Church in Biu town in Borno state.

At least one worshipper was killed and several injured when assailants entered the church and opened fire on worshippers.

The arrested suspects are currently being interrogated by security officials.