FCT On Edge As Security Forces Move To Foil Suspected Attack

FCT On Edge As Security Forces Move To Foil Suspected Attack
Airport, Kuje prison and Niger facilities identified as possible targets.
Authorities urged calm as de radicalisation programme graduates 744 participants.

Security agencies have heightened surveillance and reinforced critical infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory following intelligence reports of a suspected insurgent plot targeting key facilities.

The Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed on Thursday that proactive measures have been activated to secure high risk locations, including airports and custodial centres.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the alert followed an internal memo attributed to the Nigeria Customs Service, which warned of planned attacks by insurgent groups. The document reportedly identified the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the Kuje Custodial Centre as primary targets, alongside a detention facility in Niger State.

The memo, dated April 13, 2026, and signed by Deputy Comptroller General Timi Bomodi, also indicated that a military detention facility in Wawa, Niger State, could be targeted. It further suggested that groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, and Jama’at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimeen may be involved.

According to the report, ISWAP fighters may have already infiltrated the FCT as part of efforts to execute coordinated attacks aimed at freeing detained insurgents.

Security analysts have drawn parallels between the alleged plot and previous attacks within Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic, including the 2022 Kuje prison breach where several inmates escaped.

Speaking on the development, the spokesperson for the airport police command, Adeola Muhammed, said security architecture at the airport has been strengthened.

“The command is always aware of potential security threats, and we are prepared to scale up measures as the situation demands,” he said.

He added, “There is effective collaboration between all security agencies when it comes to intelligence sharing, and as a result, the command is, and will always remain a step ahead of any threat.”

The Nigeria Immigration Service also confirmed intensified monitoring across its facilities, with spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi stating, “We are sure the police are handling this threat already, and a section of the army too.’’

Similarly, the Nigerian Correctional Service said custodial centres nationwide have been placed on high alert.

“We want to assure Nigerians that our facilities in Abuja and other states are on high alert. We have taken proactive steps. We also want to assure Nigerians not to panic; they should go about their lawful activities without fear or apprehension,” spokesperson Jane Osuji said.

FCT On Edge As Security Forces Move To Foil Suspected Attack

Meanwhile, 744 former insurgents and victims of violent extremism have graduated from the Federal Government’s de radicalisation programme under Operation Safe Corridor.

Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, said, “This is not a reward but a deliberate strategy to reduce violence and promote long term stability.”