Nigerian citizens were put on alert on Sunday, October 23, when the diplomatic missions of the United States and the United Kingdom in Nigeria circulated security advisories warning of an elevated risk of terrorist attacks in Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The advisories listed places of large gatherings such as hotels, government buildings, international organisations, schools, transport terminals, places of worship, places visited by tourists, among others as likely targets. Further to that, the United States has authorised evacuation of its non-critical staff and their family members from Nigeria.
In reaction to the disclosure of security threats, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba announced the commencement of a counterterrorism operation, ‘Operation Darkin Gaggawa’ as part of efforts to secure the FCT, as well as put Commissioners of Police across the States of the Federation on alert. The Department of State Services (DSS) also disclosed that necessary precautions are being taken to secure the FCT and other parts of the country. In addition, there are reports indicating that the military is also working to avert any planned attacks by identifying and tracking persons suspected to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group who have infiltrated the FCT.
It will be recalled that just three months ago, in July 2022, terrorists belonging to ISWAP claimed responsibility for the invasion of the Kuje Custodial Centre in the FCT, in which several hundreds of detainees were freed despite security intelligence made available before the attack. On the same day, the convoy of President Buhari’s advance party was ambushed in his home State, Katsina. A few weeks later, eight officials of the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army Presidential Guards Brigade were ambushed and killed in the Bwari area of the FCT. In the light of these attacks, particularly the Kuje Custodial Centre attack that was not forestalled despite available intelligence, the emerging threat of attacks is quite worrisome. Citizens expect that in the wake of terrorist attacks within and outside the FCT and the lingering insurgency in the country, the Nigerian government and security agencies should intensify efforts to combat terrorist activities and secure the lives of citizens.