Abuja: Troops Swarm Nigeria’s Capital, Over Reports Of Planned Terrorist Attacks

Tension has gripped the residents of Abuja, FCT, following security reports of a planned attack on the Capital by bandits and terrorists.

Security reports obtained by the military, late on Tuesday night indicated that the attackers were planning to enter the FCT through the Abuja-Keffi expressway and other entry points.

Soldiers have been placed on high alert and at strategic locations where they have mounted security checkpoints to monitor, prevent and apprehend the would-be attackers.

The roadblocks where mounted at all entry and exit points into Abuja. Reports from newsmen indicate that soldiers are currently conducting stop and search operations on specific vehicles and passengers.

It was learnt that the operation, which began at midnight on Tuesday, have led to the apprehension of some suspects who are now helping the security agents with useful information.

A military source, who pled anonymity told reporters that similar checkpoints have been mounted around Zuba, Bwari and Abaji areas to arrest suspects before they gained access into the capital city.

The source revealed that the invasion of the University of Abuja on the early morning of Tuesday by bandits who ended up abducting some staff members and their families, may not be unconnected to the security measures, with troops in hot pursuit to apprehend the abductors. Speaking on the effects of the roadblocks on motorists, the source asked residents to bear with them. “While authorities are aware of the effect on residents, motorists and other road users of the security points mounted by the soldiers, the security of the FCT and its residents is crucial, and we ask that the public bear with the temporary inconvenience,” the source said.

Motorists, especially those who live along the Abuja-Keffi expressway in areas like Masaka, Kugbo, Karu, Karshi, Jokwoyi, Orozo, Nyanya, Mararaba, One-man village, among other satellite towns, are finding it difficult plying the road as a result of roadblocks mounted by troops of the Guards Brigade, who are responsible for the security of the President, his immediate family, VIPs, as well as the FCT and its environs.