Security Beefed Up in Abuja Over Terror Threat

Fears of a terrorist attack on Abuja prompted increased security

Benneth Igweh, the Federal Capital Territory's Commissioner of Police, has sent police, as well as material and physical assets, throughout Abuja in reaction to a reported terrorist attack plan.

On June 2 and 3, there was a message that went viral on the messaging service WhatsApp claiming that a terrorist movement was being directed by Ardo, a sub-commander of the infamous bandit leader Boderi Yellow Mai One Million.

Part of the transmission on WhatsApp said, “There is a movement of bandits led by Ardo, a sub-commander of Boderi yellow mai one million. They are coming from Kweri Forest Kagarko Kaduna State. Their destination is Gauraka/Kubwa Hills, FCT.

“Sir, following the escape of one Inusa Lawal, male, 18 years from the camp (picture attached). He was one of those kidnapped in Ushafa along with others at Dawaki on 19/05/2024. He escaped from their custody today 2/6/2024 at about 06:00hrs.

“During interrogation, he confirmed that the bandits had 10 hostages including him in their camp. He also said that the victims kidnapped from Dawaki and Dakwa are all in the camp. Intelligence from our sources confirmed that Ardo led 10 of his gang members from the Camp to FCT since yesterday night.

“Their mission in the FCT is not clear. However, in view of the above, there is a need for security forces to collaborate in the operation already in place to the hills (Kubwa-Gauraka Hills) today.”

Security agencies were also advised to step up patrols throughout the Bwari Area Council and its environs by the security alert.

It further stated, “In view of this movement, it is clear that Ardo and his gang have potential targets in Kubwa, Zuba and Mpape General Area. Additional sources confirmed that Ardo is frustrated that the families of the victims refused to pay the ransoms demanded by them. They are really in need of funds for the upcoming Sallah, the reason why they are now becoming more desperate.”

In a statement released on Monday, June 3, the FCT Police people Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, responded to the development by saying that CP Igweh had cautioned the people to always provide the police with helpful information to support their efforts in combating insecurity inside the region.

Adeh declared, “The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to a publication making the rounds on social media on the alleged entry of some suspected bandits into the Federal Capital Territory.

“Consequent to the above, the Commissioner of Police FCT, Benneth Igweh, wishes to appreciate members of the public for their outstanding environmental alertness and admonisnes the general public to always give useful information to the police to aid its efforts in the fight against insecurity within the state.

“He therefore urges residents to go about their lawful business without fear from any quarter, as the command has made all necessary deployments of both material and physical assets, and is working assiduously to ensure the safety of all residents and avert any intended attack within the nation's capital.”