Palpable fear has enveloped Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, and its environs following a security alert on the existence of terrorists’ cells in and around the capital territory.
A circular titled ‘RE: INTELLIGENCE ON NATIONAL SECURITY’ with reference number NCS/ENF/AB J/180/ SI/VOL and dated September 4, 2020, which was sighted by BusinessDay, said Boko Haram terrorists have set up camps in and around the FCT.
The circular, signed by HA SABO, Comptroller Enforcement, NCS HQ, on behalf of the Deputy Comptroller-General (E,I&I), was apparently a security intelligence signal from the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service to his personnel urging them “to be alert and security conscious of your environment at all times”.
A senior Customs official, who confirmed the information to BusinessDay, said the circular was sent to all security agencies by the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
“Information reaching the Comptroller General of Customs reveals the existence of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in and around the Federal Capital Territory,” the circular said.
“Further reports have it that they are planning to attack some selected targets within the territory,” it said.
The circular said the terrorists are reported to have set up their camps in the following identified enclaves:
i. Kunyam Bush along airport road off DIA Staff quarters – Abuja
ii. Robochi/Gwagwalada Forest-Abuja
iii. Kwaku Forest Kuje – Abuja
iv. Unaisha Forest in Toto Local Government Area Nasarawa State
v. Gegu Forest close to Idu Town in Kogi State
“Consequently, you are to be alert and security conscious of your environment at all times. Ensure wide circulation please,” the circular said.
Abuja residents still remember the devastating effects of terrorists attacks in the city five years ago which left many dead.
Despite electoral promises by President Muhammadu Buhari to end terrorist activities by October 2015, the dreaded insurgents have continued to cause havoc in the North east, Southern Kaduna and Abuja.
Between 2011 and 2015, Boko Haram staged nine bombings in Abuja, resulting in the death of about 191 persons, including the suicide bombers. These include the 2011 bombing of Nigeria Police Force headquarters that caused the death of five people and the destruction of property, and the United Nations House which claimed 21 lives with dozens critically injured.
The killer group, which became most pronounced a decade ago when it attacked the Bauchi prisons and freed 105 of its members as well as over 600 other inmates in September 2010, had launched several attacks on the nation’s capital.
Just recently, security agencies rounded up one of the camps in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State where 410 members of the dreaded Darul Salam terror group surrendered to the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke.
Briefing journalists on the development, the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, John Enenche, said the terrorists surrendered following an aggressive operation by troops and other security agencies at identified criminals’ enclaves.
