An atmosphere of anxiety has enveloped residents of the Federal Capital Territory and parts of neighbouring Niger State following intelligence reports of a planned large-scale attack on key government installations by insurgent groups.
Security sources indicated that suspected members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province were plotting coordinated strikes targeting critical facilities, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Kuje Custodial Centre and a military detention facility in Niger State.
The development has heightened fears of a possible attempt to breach correctional centres and free detained fighters, a tactic previously deployed by insurgents.
Findings revealed that a security memo detailing the threat had circulated among relevant agencies, further fuelling public concern over the safety of the nation’s capital.
A source within the Nigeria Customs Service confirmed the existence of the alert but declined to provide further details, describing it as an internal communication not intended for public dissemination.
The latest scare comes amid recurring security concerns in Abuja, with intelligence reports in recent months pointing to potential threats within and around the city.
However, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has sought to allay fears, insisting that there is no cause for panic.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, on Wednesday reassured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property, maintaining that Abuja remains secure.
Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive public advisory on the reported threats as vigilance remains heightened across strategic locations.