The nation's capital was again thrown into confusion last week as the news of impending terrorists' attack dominated major discuss, forcing many residents to scamper for safety. CHIKA OKEKE writes.
Wailking through Trademore Estate, one of Abuja's quite settlements located along the Aiport road axis, one could visibly notice heightened tension in the locality.
The serene environment provided shelter for all categories of people ranging from civil servants, traders, craftsmen and women as well as religious leaders, given the influx of churches and mosques in the area.
BOblog learnt that aside last year's flooding that swept valuables including humans, the estate was spotlighted again as the news of impending terrorists' attacks hit the nation's capital.
Tragically, information filtered around the city that some suspected (Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) members camped in the estate, while planning to bomb the city of Abuja in a manner that would shock the global community. The notorious terrorists were said to be specialised in manufacturing bombs.
This forced the foreign missions to issue red alerts, mandating its citizens to avoid travelling to Abuja, just as it ordered them to depart from the city using available commercial options.
To avoid a repeat of the attack at Kuje Correctional facility on 5th July, 2022 by ISWAP, a combined team of the Department for State Security (DSS) and their foreign counterparts invaded the estate on Monday evening by 7p.m.
The entrance and exit points of the estates were blocked while the search operation lasted. Sources disclosed that the DSS used tracking devices to track the suspects and their exact location as the estate is quite large.
Upon sighting the presence of the operatives, one of the suspects, who was said to be hiding in a bullet-proof Toyota Camry car parked meters away from their hideout, tried to speed off. Unfortunately, the bomb tracker pointed to the direction of the car that was heavily loaded with bombs.
The security operatives were said to have rained bullets on the car, which failed to penetrate but the suspects were finally apprehended when the operatives forcefully broke the windscreen.
Items recovered during the raid include: boxes of explosives and two pistols from an apartment rented by the suspects in the estate. Also, two suspects, identified as siblings, were also arrested on the allegation of terrorism.
Aside Trademore estate Lugbe, other suspects were said to be arrested at slum settlements in Piwoyi and Pyakassa, all in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), according to THISDAY.
But the DSS, who had kept mum over the issue finally opened up on Friday.
The spokesperson of State Security Service (SSS), Peter Afunanya denied that the raid was conducted in collaboration with US diplomatic security operatives at the Trademoore Estate
He told PRNigeria that , “I can categorically tell you that we did not carry out any joint operation with American Soldiers as being widely reported in the media."
“Though we carried out an operation in an Abuja Estate with sister agencies, no foreign troops were involved,” he said.
Sting Operation
Reacting to the arrest, Chairman of Phase 3, Trademore estate Abuja, Mr Adewale Adenaike admitted that the DSS arrested suspected terrorists in the estate.
According to him, "It happened on Monday. We were in our houses when our estate was locked up. Nobody going out, nobody coming into the estate. As the chairman, I came out to find out what was happening in the estate. I discovered it was a sting operation by our DSS and some American soldiers, and it was alleged, I repeat, it was alleged ; that they were looking for somebody who had suspected terrorist activity, it was alleged as such."
“As I was approaching the gate to my own street, the heavily masked DSS guys stopped me from going, and I told them I can’t stop because people are calling me for information so they will need to tell me why they are here, and that was how I got to know the alleged terrorist activity."
“And because they were DSS and with the American army, I had nothing to say, I just said okay, they had to do what they had to do, and when they finished what they were doing, all we saw was to see them drive away with a couple of people from the estate."
“As I speak to you I do not have details of what happened, I don’t know what happened. There has been a lot of insinuation and rumour. I am not a rumour monger, therefore, I refuse to escalate the rumour I have been hearing", he added,
In addition, a viral video purportedly emanating from the management of the estate, urged the residents to remain calm and proceed with their activities.
The management claimed that the operation was carried out by the combined efforts of American Army and DSS team.
“We are unable to give full details of the reason(s) behind the operation. However, we can confirm that there was an allegation of terrorist activities. It is therefore desperately incumbent on every resident to remain vigilant, know your neighbours and report any suspicious movement, person or activities to the exco, street reps and the police,” the estate added.
Foreign Missions Shaky
However, a security alert issued on 27th October by the US Mission Nigeria titled, "SECURITY ALERT – ORDERED THE DEPARTURE OF FAMILY MEMBERS", revealed that the travel advisory for Nigeria has been updated due to a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Abuja.
The alert warned US citizens to avoid travelling to Abuja, just as it ordered the departure of family members of US government employees from the nation's capital due to heightened risk of terrorist attack
This followed the earlier alert issued on 25th October, authorising the departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members from Abuja due to the impeding attacks.
It reads, "U.S. citizens should consider departing Abuja using available commercial options. U.S. citizens who wish to depart but are unable to secure commercial options to do so can contact the U.S. Consulate in Lagos at LagosFM@state.gov for assistance."
"The U.S. Embassy Abuja is only able to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Abuja. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. U.S. Citizens in Nigeria who require assistance should contact LagosACS@state.gov or +234 1 460 3410."
It continued, if you decide to travel to Nigeria:carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed; use caution when walking or driving at night; keep a low profile; review travel routes and times to vary your predictability; monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans and be aware of your surroundings."
Also, stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners; avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings; review your personal security plans; have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance and establish a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
In addition, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency; follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter; review the Country Security Report for Nigeria; prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the traveler’s checklist .
The UK Mission in Nigeria equally issued similar alert on 26th October. Its Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advised against all travel to Abuja, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kogi, Kano, Jigawa, riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
It reads, "There is an increased threat of terrorist attack in Abuja. You should stay alert, avoid non-essential travel within the city and follow the local news and the advice of security authorities. The British High Commission remains open for essential services."
"Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Nigeria. Most attacks are conducted by Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) and occur in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States in the North East. There have also been significant attacks in other states, including in Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi and Taraba States", it added.
Abuja Mall Shutdown
Worried by the security alert, a popular mall located in the Jabi district of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) shutdown operations on Thursday.
In a post on its Instagram page, the management of the Jabi Lake Mall said that the decision was taken in the interest of its staff and customers.
“To all our valued shoppers, Jabi Lake Mall will be closed today, Thursday, October 27, 2022. This decision has been taken in the overall interest of the safety of all staff and customers of the mall. "
“Centre management is committed to minimising any disruptions; however, the safety of our staff and shoppers remains our highest priority."
While apologising for the closure, it added, “Management is constantly reviewing the security situation in consultation with relevant security authorities and will inform you when the mall will be reopened.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to provide you with a quality shopping experience soon. Thank you.”
However, checks by BOblog revealed that other malls, night clubs as well as markets are fully in operation despite the alert .
FG Condemns Advisories
The federal government has disclosed that it won't be stampeded by the advisories issued by the US and UK governments on security lapses in Nigeria.
Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated this while fielding questions from State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja.
“But we, as a country, have a responsibility to keep our country safe, and we’re not going to be stampeded, at all, by whatever any government decides to tell its people.”
He assured that the security agencies were handling the situation despite the embarrassing attempts by terrosits., adding that the country is safe.
“Now, of course, this so-called travel advisory, as far as we are concerned, as a government, we have in the last few months taken a firm handle of security.
“What I said is that click baiting, which is, you find a story which is not verified and you immediately share it, always cause panic. But I want to reassure both citizens, non-Nigerians, Nigerians living in this country, that security agencies are on top of this matter."
“Of course, the terrorists would not stop to try to embarrass or intimidate government but what I’m saying is that this country is safe. And there’s no cause for alarm. No cause to panic."
“Unfortunately, because of that travel advisory on Sunday, many schools were closed, shops were closed, travel plans were disrupted, we don’t need it. The security – our soldiers, our police – are working round the clock to contain any terrorist attack. This is where we stand.”
According to the minister, “I read it that it said non-emergency should leave Nigeria. You see, just like if Nigeria mission in the US also sends a travel advisory and warning in Houston and says, look, don’t go, don’t take your children to school, because there could be mass shooting tomorrow. I mean, it is within their rights to say that their people should go home if they want to."
He warned against peddling unverified information.
He stated, “The concrete step is that people should stop spreading unverified news. That is what we are saying. You see, look, how many school shootings happen in the US? How many senseless killings happened in the US?
“So have they been able to predict what’s going to happen next? Which school is going to be a victim next? Do Nigerians in the US also feel safe? I think you should stop de-marketing your home country. Every country has its security challenges. We have ours and we are facing them. Which side are you, American side?”
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