The Nigeria Customs Service has placed security agencies on high alert over intelligence indicating planned attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram on key infrastructure in Abuja and Niger State.
According to an internal memo seen by Associated Press and dated April 13, the planned attacks are expected to target the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, a prison facility in the Federal Capital Territory, and a military detention centre in Niger State.
The memo revealed that the attackers’ objective is to free detained terrorists and damage critical infrastructure.
“Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure,” the document stated.
Security agencies have reportedly been placed on heightened alert to prevent any potential attack.
According to Peoples Gazette, the Customs Service said the intelligence suggests a pattern similar to recent attacks carried out in neighbouring Niger Republic, particularly in Niamey and Tahoua.
“This suggests a possible intent by terrorists to replicate the attack patterns within Nigeria,” the memo added.
Earlier this year, suspected jihadists carried out attacks on aviation and military facilities in Niamey, leaving several soldiers injured and damaging military assets.
A senior customs officer, quoted in reports, said military and paramilitary forces have been mobilised to forestall any attack.
However, when contacted, the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, said he was not aware of the memo.
Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings.
Recent data from the Global Terrorism Index ranked the country among the most affected globally, with ISWAP and Boko Haram responsible for a significant proportion of terror-related deaths.
The development also comes amid a recent advisory by the United States urging its citizens to avoid travel to Nigeria due to security risks, a position the Nigerian government has disputed.
