Security forces placed on high alert amid fears that Boko Haram may attack Abuja

NIGERIA'S security forces have been placed on high alert amid fears that there may be a fresh terrorist attack in the nation's capital Abuja after the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) warned that Boko Haram were planning to strike.

Since 2009, Boko Haram have been fighting an insurgency against the Nigerian state as it seeks to create an Islamist theocracy. Over recent years, the sect has not been able to carry out attacks in Abuja as it has been restricted to its enclave in northeast Nigeria but it is still functional with armed fighters under its command.

In an internal memo, the NCS had said Boko Haram insurgents were planning to carry out attacks in some locations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and in Kogi and Nasarawa states. In a swift response, Nigerian defence headquarters spokesman Major General John Enenche, said the nation’s armed forces have been placed on red alert to combat any crime.

Major General John Enenche said: “Defence headquarters wishes to reassure residents of the FCT and other adjoining states that the armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have been on red alert to combat crime and ensure effective surveillance of the Federal Capital Territory and other states of the country. This is imperative sequel to a purported memorandum from the Nigeria Customs Service warning its staff on a possible attack on the FCT.

“The armed forces of Nigeria working together with other security and response agencies particularly the core intelligence agencies hereby assure the general public that preventive and pre-emptive intelligence are ongoing. The general public is thus advised to go about their lawful businesses undeterred.

“Furthermore, the armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies wish to assure the general public that the offensives against the common enemies of this nation will not cease until normalcy is restored in all parts of the country.” He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity accordingly.