KEY POINTS

• A Customs Service memo warns that ISWAP, Boko Haram, Ansaru and JNIM plan to attack the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Kuje Custodial Centre and a Niger State military detention facility
• ISWAP fighters have already infiltrated the FCT in preparation for the attack; the planned airport strike resembles IS attacks on aviation facilities in Niger Republic
• The Nigeria Police, Immigration Service and Correctional Service all confirmed heightened security at their facilities following the intelligence report

Security agencies reinforced airports and correctional facilities on Thursday after the Washington Post revealed a Nigerian Customs Service memo detailing an ISWAP airport threat against the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja. Fighters of ISWAP, Boko Haram, Ansaru and JNIM planned the attacks, the memo said.

The April 13 memo, bearing the signature of Deputy Comptroller General Timi Bomodi, also flagged a military detention facility in Wawa, Niger State. While ISWAP fighters have already infiltrated the FCT to prepare for the strikes, the document also noted that the planned airport attack resembles IS strikes on aviation facilities in Niamey and Tahoua, Niger Republic.

Airport Police, Correctional Service raise alert across facilities

After the memo, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Correctional Service strengthened security across their facilities.

Airport Police Command spokesperson Adeola Muhammed said the agency remains fully alert to the ISWAP airport threat, noting that multiple security layers at the aerodrome can detect any suspicious activity.

“The command is always aware of potential security threats, and we are prepared to scale up measures as the situation demands,” he said. Meanwhile, Correctional Service spokesperson Jane Osuji confirmed that custodial centres across the FCT are now on high alert.

Security analyst warns of fragile security climate across Nigeria

Security analyst Chidi Omeje warned that the government must take intelligence reports more seriously, citing past failures that produced avoidable attacks. He noted that a coordinated assault on Kuje Correctional Centre freed 64 detainees in July 2022, while ISWAP also attempted to breach the Wawa Cantonment in October 2022.

Additionally, Omeje said states surrounding the FCT, including Niger and Kogi, remain vulnerable to armed group infiltration targeting critical infrastructure. “The very clear thing the government should do is to take it seriously, to take intelligence reports seriously,” he said.