The defence headquarters (DHQ) has alerted residents of the north-east that female suicide bombers now disguise as nursing mothers to avoid detection by security personnel.

Rabe Abubakar, defence spokesman, revealed this in a statement issued on Friday.

He appealed members of the public to cooperate with security agencies carrying out “thorough security search and checks”, explaining that the traffic gridlock at military check points were not meant to cause public discomfort.

“Female suicide bombers are now evading detection from security operatives by carrying babies on their back, that ordinarily passes them for innocent nursing mothers,” he said.

“The two recent suicide bomb attacks in Madagali, Adamawa state, are instructive in this regard.

“Members of the public are therefore urged to always volunteer useful information to the military and other security agencies that would assist in exposing Boko Haram and their evil machinations in our society and to make our communities safe and secure for all to live.”

Suicide bombing has been the major challenge of security forces in the region.

Boko Haram insurgents have been unable to carry out organised attacks, but the sect still targets vulnerable people.