From Victor Osula, Abuja
Nigeria has been placed on maximum security alert following intelligence reports indicating that terrorist groups are allegedly plotting coordinated attacks on the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, correctional facilities, and other strategic infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring Niger State.
The alert follows a security memorandum reportedly issued by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and cited in an Associated Press (AP) report, which warned of suspected mobilisation by sleeper cells linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram.
Security sources familiar with the development say the intelligence points to planned coordinated strikes aimed at high-value national assets, to breach secure installations, creating widespread disruption, and potentially facilitating the release of detained insurgents.
The document also cited by The Washington Post, reportedly identified the Abuja international airport as well as a prison facility within the Federal Capital Territory and a military detention centre in neighbouring Niger State as possible targets.
According to excerpts attributed to the memo, the suspected attackers are believed to be focusing on operations that would both inflict symbolic damage and achieve operational gains through the forced release of detained militants.
“Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure,” the memo reportedly stated.
The intelligence warning also draws attention to recent militant activity in the West African sub-region, including a January attack in Niamey, Niger Republic, where armed groups reportedly stormed an air force facility, injuring personnel and damaging military equipment.
Security sources say the reference to the Niger incident underscores growing concerns over cross-border militant mobility and the evolving operational tactics of extremist groups in the Sahel region.
Following the alert, security formations in Abuja and Niger State have reportedly intensified surveillance and placed personnel on elevated readiness status, particularly around sensitive installations and high-risk infrastructure corridors.
Multiple security agencies are said to be coordinating intelligence-sharing efforts and reviewing contingency response plans, although official statements detailing the full scope of preventive measures have yet to be issued.
Sources within the security establishment describe the current posture as preventive and intelligence-driven, aimed at disrupting any suspected operational buildup before execution.
As of press time, there was no public official statement released and independently verified by all major Nigerian security agencies confirming a specific, active, imminent attack plot on Abuja Airport or prisons at the time of reporting.
However, security insiders maintain that monitoring operations are ongoing and that identified flashpoints remain under continuous observation.
