The Federal Government has uncovered plans by the dreaded Islamic group Boko Haram, to attack some parts of the country including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
DailyPost gathered on Sunday that the sect had planned to wreak wanton havoc in states to include Borno, Plateau, Kano, Kaduna, Kogi, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Niger and Abuja, during the the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
It was revealed that the multiple attacks which may be in coordinated form may begin on December 24 (today). The spots being aimed are worship centres, recreational centres, hotels, military and paramilitary facilities, police stations, telecommunications installations, among others.
The development has reportedly made the Federal Government to place all security agencies on red alert to avoid being caught off guard. Also, security agents have been deployed in violence flashpoints across the country and the nation’s capital.
Meanwhile, some political and religious bigwigs, as well as notable politicians have been placed under strict security surveillance for effective monitoring of their activities and their movements.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Dasuki (rtd) is reportedly coordinating the special security arrangements while service chiefs have been directed to personally take charge of security within their areas of jurisdictions. A source said: “No stone is being left unturned. The fact is any serious breach of security whatsoever will be rewarded with severe sanctions. As far as security is concerned this time around, I can assure you that any flop will lead to query or outright sack.”
“Most of the security personnel on annual leave or break have been directed to report at their duty posts immediately.”
Already there are increased security on government facilities, the nation’s air, sea and border ports and on the highways.
A visit by our correspondent to the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport in Abuja, the Millenium Park and some major hotels, shows that security has been stepped up. Anti-bomb squads and joint military forces were strategically positioned in most places.
The Inspector General of Police at the weekend directed “all Zonal AIGs and State Command, Commissioners of Police to take all necessary measures to ensure the provision of adequate security across the country before, during and after the celebration.”
A statement by CSP Frank E. Mba, Deputy Force Public Relations Officer further said, “CPs are to personally, ensure that key and vulnerable points including: shopping malls, motor parks, financial houses, places of worship, recreation centres and other public places are adequate and effectively protected, to enable holiday makers, worshippers and the general public enjoy maximum fulfillment.”
“In a similar vein, Zonal AIGs and CPs have been directed to ensure the provision of 24hrs security around all government installations, strategic facilities and other key targets.”
On its part, the Department of State Security (DSS), is believed to have have sent out more operatives to the field for intelligence gathering while personnel of both the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been deployed to various locations.
Exactly a year ago, the Boko Haram sect struck on Christmas day in Madalla, Niger State. A suicide attack on St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, killing dozens of worshippers.
President Goodluck Jonathan who later visited the scene to commiserate with the relatives of the blast, openly wept when he sighted the wailing crowd of families of the those who died in the attack.
Comentarios