Security agencies have intensified surveillance and operational readiness across key infrastructure in Abuja and neighbouring Niger State following intelligence reports of a planned terrorist attack targeting major facilities, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and custodial centres.
The Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Correctional Service confirmed on Thursday that proactive measures have been deployed to safeguard critical assets and prevent any breach.
The development follows an internal memo reportedly issued by the Nigerian Customs Service, which revealed that insurgent groups—including ISWAP, Boko Haram, Ansaru, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM)—are plotting coordinated attacks within the Federal Capital Territory and parts of Niger State.
The memo, dated April 13, 2026, and signed by Deputy Comptroller General Timi Bomodi, indicated that the attackers aim to strike the Abuja airport and Kuje Custodial Centre, with a possible objective of freeing detained fighters. A military detention facility in Wawa, Niger State, was also identified as a potential target.
According to the intelligence, some insurgents may have already infiltrated the FCT, raising concerns about an imminent attempt to replicate past attacks on aviation infrastructure in neighbouring Niger Republic.
Authorities referenced the July 2022 assault on the Kuje Correctional Centre, which resulted in the escape of 64 detainees, as well as a foiled October 2022 attack on the Wawa Cantonment, underscoring the recurring threat to correctional and military facilities.
In response, security agencies have strengthened perimeter controls, intensified intelligence gathering, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration. Airport Police Command spokesperson, Adeola Muhammed, assured the public that multiple layers of security screening are in place and capable of detecting suspicious activity.
“The command remains fully alert and prepared to scale up operations as needed. Intelligence sharing among agencies has significantly improved our response capability,” he said.
Similarly, the Nigeria Immigration Service confirmed heightened vigilance across its facilities, while the Nigerian Correctional Service placed custodial centres nationwide on high alert, particularly within the FCT.
Spokesperson for the Correctional Service, Jane Osuji, urged citizens to remain calm, stating that necessary precautions have been taken to ensure safety.
Security analysts, however, have warned against complacency. Chidi Omeje stressed the importance of acting decisively on intelligence reports, noting that previous failures to do so have led to avoidable attacks.
“There is a pattern of warnings being ignored until it is too late. Authorities must take this seriously and maintain sustained vigilance,” he said.
Another expert, Lekan Jackson-Ojo, criticised inconsistent responses to intelligence threats and cautioned against concentrating security resources solely in Abuja at the expense of other vulnerable regions.
Beyond the immediate threat, the Federal Government also recorded progress in its deradicalisation efforts, with 744 former insurgents and victims of violent extremism graduating from the Operation Safe Corridor programme in Gombe.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, described the initiative as a strategic approach to addressing the root causes of insurgency, emphasizing that it is not a reward for violence but a pathway to lasting peace.
He urged the rehabilitated individuals to embrace their second chance and contribute positively to society, while calling on communities and state governments to support their reintegration.
As security agencies remain on high alert, authorities continue to reassure Nigerians of their safety, even as concerns persist over the evolving threat landscape and the need for sustained, coordinated action.
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