There is palpable fear and tension in some quarters of Abuja over purported plans by Boko Haram insurgents to attack Abuja.
We reliably gathered that since the news filtered in, residents have been wary and soaked in fear of the unknown.
However, it was reported that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have been placed on alert following reports that the Boko Haram insurgents were plotting to attack Abuja, the nation’s capital.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, on Sunday, September 6.
Enenche explained that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies would ensure effective surveillance of the Federal Capital Territory and other states of the country.
A security report from the Nigeria Customs Service had indicated that members of the Boko Haram terrorists group have flooded the FCT and were planning to carry out coordinated attacks on five identified locations.
The service listed 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, as some of the areas where the terrorists were reported to have set up their camps.
However, Enenche assured Nigerians that preventive and preemptive intelligence was ongoing to thwart the plot.
The statement titled, ‘Security alert: Defence headquarters assured residents of FCT and adjoining states of safety,’ stated, “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 general public is thus advised to go about their lawful businesses undeterred.”
It further said that the offensives against the common enemies of the nation would not cease; until normalcy is restored in all parts of the country.
The FCT Police Command also reassured members of the public that it had deployed proactive intelligence; gathering mechanisms and crime-fighting measures to beef up security in Abuja.
The command spokesman, DSP Anjuguri Manzah, in a statement; said it is also working in synergy with other security agencies; “in the ongoing effort to strengthen security in the FCT.”