By Ismail Auwal
Security has been beefed up in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja following the recent alert issued by the United States of America (USA).
Security personnel from the Nigerian Air Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Immigration Services were spotted patrolling the nation’s capital.
It was also observed that there was unusual sighting of fighter and surveillance jets in readiness of action against any potential threat.
Soldiers were also in the early hours of Monday deployed near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.They were seen mounting checkpoints before the entrance of the airport, which restricted the free flow of vehicles.
There was also a heavy presence of policemen in the Asokoro area of Abuja, close to the ECOWAS building.
According to the paper a military officer, who did not want his name in print, explained that the security operatives were already on red alert following an order ‘from the above.’
SAHELIAN TIMES reported that the US government warned on Sunday that there is a high risk of terrorist attacks in Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a security alert issued on October 23, 2022, the US Embassy in Abuja stated that the targets for the attacks include government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transportation terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations.
However, the Department of State Services, a few hours after the alert urged Nigerians to stay alert and assist security agencies with information on suspicious criminals in their neighborhoods.