Security agencies across Nigeria have moved to reinforce critical infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State following intelligence of a coordinated terrorist plot targeting the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and custodial facilities.
An internal memo dated April 13, obtained from the Nigeria Customs Service by the Associated Press, shows that Nigeria’s security forces have received intelligence on planned attacks by Islamist militants on the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and a prison facility in Abuja, as well as a military detention centre in neighbouring Niger State.
Punch reports that the memo, signed by Timi Bomodi, a Deputy Comptroller General in charge of the Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation unit, identified the Islamic State West Africa Province, a Boko Haram faction, Ansaru, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen as the groups behind the plot.
According to the memo, the attackers’ intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure. A senior customs service personnel member told AP that “the military and paramilitary forces are all on high alert and ready to forestall the attack.”
The memo draws parallels with a January 2026 attack in Niger Republic, where Islamist fighters launched a deadly assault on an air force base in Niamey, and warns of a possible intent by terrorists to replicate those attack patterns within Nigeria.
The Kuje Area Council in Abuja had separately instituted a dusk-to-dawn curfew in at least four villages earlier this month, citing credible intelligence regarding a potential assault on the Kuje prison.
In 2022, an attack on the same facility led to the escape of 879 inmates, including 64 ISWAP members who claimed responsibility.
The Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Correctional Service confirmed to The Punch that they have proactively strengthened security around airports and custodial centres.
The Nigerian Correctional Service spokesperson, Jane Osuji, said custodial centres had been placed on high alert nationwide, particularly in the FCT, and urged Nigerians to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear.
The threat emerged days after the United States embassy in Abuja authorised non-emergency government employees and their families to leave the country, citing the deteriorating security situation. Nigerian government officials insisted the capital was safe and not under imminent attack, with the Information Minister describing the US advisory as a precautionary measure based on internal protocols.
The customs memo also warned that ISWAP operatives had already infiltrated the Federal Capital Territory to facilitate the planned attacks.
Security experts have warned that states surrounding the FCT, including Niger and Kogi, remain vulnerable and could serve as infiltration routes into the capital. Analysts also cautioned against concentrating security resources solely in Abuja at the expense of other exposed states such as Niger, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
