An intelligence report by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) that forests within Abuja and its environs are filled with Boko Haram terrorists planning to attack the nation’s seat of power has set residents on edge.
Coming less than a week after a major town in Niger State was kept under siege for more than four hours without a response from security forces, residents are at a loss what to do. The State has been under incessant attacks, often with lame assurances from the state government after every attack.
But the Defence Headquarters says there is not cause for alarm for residents of Abuja and contiguous states. Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Kaduna are four of Abuja neighbouring states.
A statement by Major General John Enenche, the Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters reassured the residents of Abuja and other adjoining States that security forces are on red alert to combat crime and ensure effective surveillance of the Federal Capital Territory and other States of the country.
Enenche adds: “This is imperative sequel to a purported memorandum from the Nigeria Customs Service warning its staff on a possible attack on the FCT. The Armed Forces of Nigeria working together with other security and response agencies particularly the core intelligence agencies hereby assure the general public that preventive and preemptive intelligence are ongoing. The general public is thus advised to go about their lawful businesses undeterred.
“Furthermore, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies wish to assure the general public that the offensives against the common enemies of this Nation will not cease until normalcy is restored in all parts of the country.
“Hence, the general public is equally enjoined to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity accordingly.”