The Federal Government has heightened security across critical infrastructure in Abuja and neighbouring Niger State following intelligence reports of planned terrorist attacks by insurgent groups.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigerian Correctional Service, confirmed on Thursday that enhanced measures have been deployed at key locations such as airports and custodial centres.
The move comes after an internal memo from the Nigeria Customs Service raised alarm over alleged plans by terrorist groups — Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram, Ansaru, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) — to launch coordinated attacks within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas.
According to the memo, the targeted locations include the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Kuje Custodial Centre, and a military detention facility in Wawa, Niger State. The document further revealed that some ISWAP fighters may have already infiltrated parts of the FCT, with the suspected aim of freeing detained insurgents.
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In response, the Customs Service directed immediate reinforcement of surveillance operations, stricter screening procedures, and the deployment of specialised intelligence units to vulnerable points.
Spokesperson for the Airport Police Command, Adeola Muhammed, assured the public that security operatives remain vigilant and fully prepared to counter any threat.
“The command is always aware of potential security threats, and we are prepared to scale up measures as the situation demands. Whether you are entering or exiting the airport, you will be thoroughly screened,” he said.
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Muhammed added that collaboration among security agencies has significantly improved intelligence sharing and operational response.
“There is effective collaboration between all security agencies when it comes to intelligence sharing, and as a result, the command is and will always remain a step ahead of any threat,” he stated.
The Nigeria Immigration Service also confirmed that it has intensified security across its facilities within the FCT. Its spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, noted that relevant agencies are actively managing the situation.
“We are sure the police are handling this threat already, and a section of the army too. The one that has to do with Corrections, they are taking close measures at their facilities,” he said.
Similarly, the Nigerian Correctional Service reassured Nigerians that all custodial centres have been placed on high alert. Spokesperson Jane Osuji urged the public to remain calm while security agencies carry out their duties.
“We want to assure Nigerians that our facilities in Abuja and other states are on high alert. We have taken proactive steps. We also want to assure Nigerians not to panic; they should go about their lawful activities without fear or apprehension,” she said.
However, security experts have cautioned that intelligence reports must be taken seriously to prevent a repeat of past incidents. Analyst Chidi Omeje emphasised the need for decisive action.
“The very clear thing the government should do is to take it seriously, to take intelligence reports seriously. We’ve had such experiences before where warnings were detailed, yet the predictions came to pass,” he warned.
Another expert, Lekan Jackson-Ojo, criticised what he described as historically weak responses to such alerts. He warned against concentrating security efforts solely on Abuja at the expense of other vulnerable regions.
“They must beef up security in the FCT, but not at the detriment of other states like Niger, Sokoto, and Zamfara. If all attention is shifted to Abuja, it creates loopholes elsewhere, which these groups can exploit,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a parallel effort to address insurgency, the military announced that 744 former insurgents and victims of violent extremism have graduated from the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation programme under Operation Safe Corridor.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described the programme as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering long-term peace and stability.
“This moment is not just a ceremony; it is a statement of progress, a demonstration of national resolve and a testimony to the power of strategic thinking in addressing human dimensions of conflict,” he said.
He added that while military operations remain essential in combating insurgency, sustainable peace requires addressing the root causes of radicalisation through rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
The latest security alert underscores ongoing concerns about terrorism threats in Nigeria, even as authorities continue to combine military action with non-kinetic strategies to curb extremism.
