The Federal Government has uncovered plans by the dreaded
Islamic group Boko Haram, to attack some parts of the country including the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Security watch
gathered on Sunday that the sect had planned to wreak wanton havoc in
states to include Borno, Plateau, Kano, Kaduna, Kogi, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe,
Adamawa, Niger and Abuja, during the the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
It was revealed that the multiple attacks which may be in
coordinated form may begin on December 24 (today). The spots being aimed are
worship centres, recreational centres, hotels, military and
paramilitary facilities, police stations, telecommunications
installations, among others.
The development has reportedly made the Federal Government
to place all security agencies on red alert to avoid being caught off guard.
Also, security agents have been deployed in violence flashpoints across the
country and the nation’s capital.
Meanwhile, some political and religious bigwigs, as well as
notable politicians have been placed under strict security surveillance for
effective monitoring of their activities and their movements.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Dasuki (rtd) is
reportedly coordinating the special security arrangements while service chiefs
have been directed to personally take charge of security within their areas of
jurisdictions.
A source said: “No stone is being left unturned. The fact is
any serious breach of security whatsoever will be rewarded with severe
sanctions. As far as security is concerned this time around, I can assure you
that any flop will lead to query or outright sack.”
“Most of the security personnel on annual leave or break
have been directed to report at their duty posts immediately.”
Already there are increased security on government
facilities, the nation’s air, sea and border ports and on the highways.
The Inspector General of Police at the weekend directed “all
Zonal AIGs and State Command, Commissioners of Police to take all necessary
measures to ensure the provision of adequate security across the country
before, during and after the celebration.”
A statement by CSP Frank E. Mba, Deputy Force Public
Relations Officer further said, “CPs are to personally, ensure that key and
vulnerable points including: shopping malls, motor parks, financial houses,
places of worship, recreation centres and other public places are adequate and
effectively protected, to enable holiday makers, worshippers and the general
public enjoy maximum fulfillment.”
“In a similar vein, Zonal AIGs and CPs have been directed to
ensure the provision of 24hrs security around all government installations,
strategic facilities and other key targets.”
On its part, the Department of State Security (DSS), is
believed to have have sent out more operatives to the field for intelligence
gathering while personnel of both the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and
the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been deployed to
various locations.
Exactly a year ago, the Boko Haram sect struck on Christmas
day in Madalla, Niger State. A suicide attack on St. Theresa’s Catholic Church,
killing dozens of worshippers.
President Goodluck Jonathan who later visited the scene to
commiserate with the relatives of the blast, openly wept when he sighted the
wailing crowd of families of the those who died in the attack.
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