Nigeria’s security agencies have been placed on high alert following intelligence reports that terrorist groups were planning coordinated attacks on key infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring Niger State.
According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) raised the alarm over suspected plans by sleeper cells linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram to target strategic facilities, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The report, which cited an internal memo obtained by AP, indicated that other potential targets included a prison facility within Abuja and a military detention centre in Niger State.
Security sources warned that the planned attacks could be aimed at freeing detained insurgents while causing extensive damage to critical infrastructure.
“Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure,” the memo reportedly stated.
The NCS further noted that the emerging threat bears similarities to a recent attack in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, where terrorists assaulted an Air Force base in January, injuring four soldiers and damaging an aircraft.
Authorities said security forces across the affected areas have been placed on heightened alert to prevent any potential breach.
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