Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Guards Brigade have foiled what security sources described as a potential breach of restricted installations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), arresting a suspected spy and four individuals posing as military personnel in separate operations across Abuja.
The operations, conducted on Friday and Saturday by personnel of the 176 Guards Battalion and the Guards Brigade Garrison, were part of intensified surveillance and patrols aimed at tightening security around sensitive national assets in the capital.
According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the first incident occurred during a routine patrol around the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where troops intercepted a man suspected of conducting covert surveillance within a restricted zone.
The suspect, whose identity had not been disclosed as of press time, was reportedly found loitering suspiciously around the high-security area.
A search on him led to the recovery of a wallet containing two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, receipts, and passport photographs.
Security sources said preliminary interrogation suggested possible espionage activity, although investigations are still ongoing.
“The suspect is currently in custody for further investigation,” the report stated.
In a separate development the same day, troops of the Guards Brigade Garrison arrested four suspected impostors at about 9:00 a.m. in the Gwarinpa area of the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The suspects were reportedly dressed in full military camouflage, raising suspicion among residents and security operatives who subsequently trailed and apprehended them around Dantata Estate.
Items recovered from the suspects include one ballistic helmet, a fragmentation jacket, a dagger, two motorcycles, four mobile phones, and other sundry materials believed to be linked to impersonation activities.
Military authorities said the arrests underscore growing concerns over the rising cases of individuals impersonating security personnel to perpetrate crimes or gain unlawful access to restricted areas.
“The suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing,” the report added.
The Nigerian Army, through the Guards Brigade, said the operations form part of sustained efforts to prevent infiltration of strategic locations in Abuja and to ensure that criminal elements do not exploit military identity for subversive activities.
Security analysts note that the latest arrests come amid heightened alertness in the FCT, particularly around critical infrastructure, government buildings, and diplomatic zones.
Authorities have assured that surveillance operations will be intensified across the capital to deter espionage, impersonation, and other security threats.
The Army has also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, especially around restricted areas.
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