Boko Haram: Nigerian Police tighten security in Nation’s Capital

There was heightened security in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday, following security alerts by the United States Embassy and the Department of State Services which indicated that terrorist groups planned to attack the FCT.

Security was beefed up at many public places including markets, hotels, shopping malls, motor parks and religious centers across the FCT.

The US Embassy in Nigeria had on Friday said it received information that groups “associated with terrorism” might be planning attacks against hotels in the country that were frequented by westerners.

In a brief message directed to the US citizens, the embassy said it had no further information regarding the timing or method of any planned attacks.

“The US Mission advises all US citizens to be vigilant when at hotels and around areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers … locations where large crowds may gather; and government facilities,” the statement said.

Also, the DSS on Saturday said it had discovered cells being operated by the dreaded Boko Haram sect in Abuja.

The DSS had, in a statement, said that members of the sect had migrated from the North-East to Abuja, with the aim of attacking the city.

Armed policemen on duty at the major markets in Abuja, including Utako and Wuse markets and Jabi Motor Park.

Though no security personnel were seen at motor parks belonging to private commercial transport companies, there were private security operatives frisking passengers and their luggage.

Police patrol teams were also observed at major intersections, street junctions and along the roads. A police patrol vehicle was seen at Julius Berger Roundabout, Wuse, while the Safer Highway units were active on Zuba-Kubwa Expressway, Airport Road and other parts of the FCT.

Security was also tight at major hotels in Abuja, all of which were being protected by armed soldiers.

At the Sheraton Hotel, armed security personnel were on duty with a patrol vehicle on standby for emergency crisis response.

The same situation was observed at the Transcorp Hotel, where armed soldiers were on guard at the gate. An anti-bomb device was being used by the hotel’s security personnel to screen vehicles entering the sprawling hotel.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Manza Anjuguri, had earlier assured FCT residents of their safety during the end of year festivities, stating that the command had put in place “robust security measures to prevent terrorist attacks.”

Part of the measures, he said, was a meeting with transport union members, hoteliers and market union leaders to seek their cooperation with the police and other security agencies.