In reaction to information from Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) which has since gone viral about a possible planned attack by terrorists on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the Nigeria Army has moved to reassure residents that they are on red alert to combat any form of criminality. A statement from the Nigeria Army signed by Coordinator Defence Media Operations, John Eneche, on Sunday, said: 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 is ongoing."The Defence Headquarters wishes to reassure residents of FCT and other adjoining states that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have been on red alert to combat crime and ensure effective surveillance of the Federal Capital Territory and other states of the country. This is an imperative sequel to a purported memorandum from the Nigeria Customs Service warning its staff on a possible attack on the FCT.
“Further reports have it that they are planning to attack some selected targets within the territory. They are reported to have set up their camps in the following identified enclaves:
“Kunyam Bush along airport road off DIA Staff Quarters-Abuja; Robochi/Gwagwalada Forest; Kwaku forest, Kuje, Abuja; Unaisha forest in Toto Local Government of Nasarawa State and Gegu forest, close to Idu town in Kogi State,” said the memo which was not outrightly denied as fake by the NCS.
The Nigerian military has said it and other security agencies will continue to ensure 'effective surveillance' of Abuja and its neighbouring states.
"The general public is thus advised to go about their lawful businesses undeterred," he stated, advising the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity accordingly," the major-general said.
The NCS, in an internal memo, had suggested that terrorists had selected targets in the FCT to hit.
Similarly, the Nigeria Police Command in Abuja has also assured members of the public of protection and have released the following emergency phone lines:
08032003913,
08061581938,
07057337653, and
08028940883.
It has been more than three years that the terrorists carried out any attack on the Nigerian capital as the military and other security agencies continue to battle the insurgents in Northeastern states.
