Security agencies step up surveillance as intelligence warns of planned strikes on key facilities in Abuja and Niger State.
By Umar Baba | Abuja, Nigeria
Federal security agencies have intensified surveillance and operational readiness at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Kuje Custodial Centre, and other strategic facilities following intelligence reports of a suspected terrorist attack plot.
The move comes amid warnings of coordinated plans by armed groups targeting critical infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring Niger State.
The Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed on Thursday that security measures have been strengthened across airports, custodial centres, and other sensitive installations.
The development follows reports citing an internal Customs Service memo allegedly warning of planned attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram, Ansaru, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM).
The memo, dated April 13, 2026, reportedly indicated that the groups were targeting the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja, and a prison facility in Niger State, including the military detention centre in Wawa.
It also suggested possible infiltration of the Federal Capital Territory by insurgents allegedly preparing coordinated strikes aimed at freeing detained fighters.
Security agencies said proactive measures have been activated to prevent any breach.
Security Agencies Respond
The Nigeria Customs Service reportedly directed operatives to intensify surveillance around the airport and other strategic points, including enhanced screening of visitors and deployment of intelligence units.
The Airport Police Command assured that the airport remains fully secured, adding that multiple layers of screening and intelligence monitoring are in place.
Spokesperson Adeola Muhammed said the command is maintaining close inter-agency coordination and remains alert to evolving threats.
Similarly, the Nigeria Immigration Service confirmed heightened security across its facilities in the FCT, stating that it is working in collaboration with other security agencies.
The Nigerian Correctional Service also placed custodial centres on high alert nationwide, particularly in Abuja, while urging residents not to panic.
Experts Warn on Intelligence Response
Security analysts have urged authorities to take intelligence reports more seriously, warning that failure to act decisively on prior warnings has led to past security breaches.
They called for stronger inter-agency coordination, improved intelligence response mechanisms, and broader security coverage beyond the Federal Capital Territory.
Experts also cautioned that surrounding states such as Niger and Kogi remain vulnerable due to ongoing insurgent activities, stressing the need for balanced security deployment.
Related Security Developments
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has graduated over 700 former insurgents and victims of violent extremism under the Operation Safe Corridor programme.
The initiative, according to defence authorities, is part of efforts to promote deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of repentant individuals into society.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said the programme is a strategic complement to military operations aimed at achieving long-term stability.
He urged communities and state governments to support reintegration efforts, describing it as essential to sustaining peace and preventing recidivism.
- Security Agencies Boost Surveillance at Key National Assets
- Experts Call for Stronger Intelligence Response Mechanism
The alert underscores persistent security threats facing critical national infrastructure, particularly in the FCT. It also highlights the challenge of translating intelligence into timely preventive action amid ongoing insurgent activity across multiple regions.
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