ISWAP, Boko Haram plot attacks on Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, others

Amidst the security challenges bedevilling the country, strong indications emerged, on Tuesday, that two terrorist groups, the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram, were planning to attack Lagos, Kaduna, Kogi, Katsina, and Zamfara states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

It was further learnt that the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have deployed troops and policemen in strategic locations across Abuja to foil the planned attack by the ISWAP terrorists.

A leaked memo from the headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had, on Tuesday, alerted state commands to the planned attacks.

The memo, which was denied by the NSCDC spokesman, Shola Odumosu, was however confirmed by a state commandant.

The commandant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said security operatives had been directed to remain silent over it in order not to cause panic.

“Yes, it is true that the headquarters issued a security alert to us that we should be careful and we should instruct our men to be watchful. We protect the critical infrastructure and places of worship.

“It is also important that we inform the people so they can be vigilant,” PUNCH quoted the source as saying.

Also speaking on the development, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has ordered the deployment of police operatives in Abuja.

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He added that the IGP has also ordered the Force Intelligence Bureau to gather intelligence in a move to foil the planned attack.

The Star had reported that the Presidential Guards Brigade was attacked on Sunday by ISWAP terrorists along the Bwari-Kubwa road where a captain, lieutenant and six soldiers were reportedly killed, while others were injured.

It was further learnt that the gunmen were heading to the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja when they attacked the troops.

The terrorists were said to have laid siege to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the intention to attack the Law School in Bwari, and other government facilities.

This came the same day terrorists, via a video, threatened to abduct President Muhammadu Buhari and Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

On Monday, the Federal Government ordered the immediate closure of the Federal Government College (FGC), Kwali in the Kwali Area Council of Abuja.

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, who gave the directive, said the closure became necessary following a security breach on Sheda and Lambata villages, suburbs of Kwali Area Council, which also threatened FGC Kwali.

The Star