Security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory have intensified surveillance and counter-terrorism measures following credible intelligence that fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram are plotting large-scale, coordinated assaults on critical infrastructure within the nation’s capital.
According to an internal memorandum from the Nigeria Customs Service dated April 13, 2026, and seen by Agence France-Presse, the groups are planning to target Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, and the Wawa Military Barracks in neighbouring Niger State. The memo explicitly warns that "ISWAP operatives have already infiltrated the FCT to facilitate the attacks."
The disclosure has heightened tension in the capital, occurring just days after the United States Embassy in Abuja issued a security alert authorizing the voluntary departure of non-emergency government employees and their families. The US advisory cited "the potential for terrorist attacks" and the "unpredictable security environment."
Vanguard newspaper reports that federal officials have sought to downplay the gravity of the US warning, describing it as a "precautionary measure based on internal protocols." However, a security source who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the intelligence confirmed to Prime Brief Media that the threat stream is being treated with the utmost seriousness. "The convergence of intelligence from multiple sources, including the Customs memo and international partners, cannot be ignored. There is a specific and active plot against these soft targets," the source said.
The Kuje Correctional Facility remains a strategic and symbolic target for insurgents. A previous attack on the prison in July 2022 resulted in the release of hundreds of inmates, including high-profile Boko Haram commanders. A successful repeat of such an operation would deal a significant blow to the government's counter-insurgency narrative and likely cause mass panic in the seat of power.
Prime Brief Media understands that the Office of the National Security Adviser has directed all heads of security agencies within the FCT to tighten physical security perimeters and increase random stop-and-search operations. Residents of the FCT and airport road corridors have reported a visible increase in military and police patrols since late Wednesday.
Prime Brief Media continues to monitor the security situation in Abuja and will provide updates as this story develops. Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest law enforcement post.
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Security & Crime