Concerns over insecurity in the country soared on Tuesday as reports emerged that two terrorist groups, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram are scheming to attack Lagos state, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Kaduna state and some states in the North-West, North-Central and South-West of Nigeria.
Security agencies were said to have got an intelligence report on the planned attack by the fighters of ISWAP and Boko Haram.
In a leaked memo from the headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, security agencies in the country were alerted to be ready for the planned attacks.
A source at the NSCDC who spoke with the members of the press said the agency had directed its operatives to be on high alert.
The source also said following the alert, security had been beefed up in Abuja to forestall a possible attack by ISWAP and Boko Haram. The source confirmed that several operatives had been deployed to strategic places in Abuja to ensure peace and order ’Yes, it is true that they (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,” the source was quoted to have said.
The intelligence report comes after troops of the 7 Guards Brigade which provide security for the Presidential Villa and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja were ambushed while on patrol along the Kubwa-Bwari Road.
Though the attack was successfully repelled by the troops, scores of soldiers were wounded and have been taken to the hospital and are receiving treatments.
It also comes after the terrorists who kidnapped train passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna rail some months ago threatened to abduct President Muhammadu Buhari, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai as well as other top government officials, if their demands are not met.