Tension Nationwide As Agencies Move To Foil Suspected Boko Haram Strike

Reports indicate that the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed on Thursday that precautionary measures have been intensified, particularly at airports and correctional centres.

The move comes after an internal memo linked to the Nigeria Customs Service warned of planned attacks by terrorist groups on key installations.

According to the document, potential targets include the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Kuje Custodial Centre, and another detention facility in Niger State.

The memo, dated April 13, 2026, and signed by Deputy Comptroller General Timi Bomodi, also pointed to a military detention facility in Wawa, Niger State, as a possible target.

It identified extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen as likely actors behind the plot.

The report further suggested that ISWAP operatives may have already infiltrated the FCT, possibly to facilitate attacks aimed at freeing detained fighters.

Security analysts have drawn parallels between the suspected plan and past incidents, including the 2022 Kuje prison attack and attempted breaches of military facilities in Niger State.

Authorities say security around the airport has been reinforced, with enhanced screening and intelligence-sharing systems put in place to detect and prevent threats.

The Nigeria Immigration Service also confirmed increased monitoring across its installations, while the Nigerian Correctional Service stated that all custodial centres nationwide have been placed on high alert.

Officials have reassured the public that proactive steps are being taken and urged citizens to remain calm while going about their daily activities.

Experts, however, have advised authorities to act decisively on intelligence reports and avoid focusing security efforts solely on Abuja, noting that nearby states like Niger and Kogi could also be vulnerable.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government announced that 744 individuals, including former insurgents and victims of extremism, have completed its de-radicalisation programme under Operation Safe Corridor, aimed at addressing the root causes of insurgency and promoting long-term stability.