ISWAP, a faction that split from Boko Haram, is reportedly planning suicide bombings, prompting the Nigerian government to quietly instruct security agencies to prepare for potential attacks.
A report from Premium Times highlights an intelligence memo dated July 10th, indicating ISWAP might target prisons and critical oil and gas infrastructure.
The memo specifically identifies high-risk sites such as Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, Kaduna Central Prison, Port Harcourt Maximum Prison, and Kirikiri Correctional Center in Lagos. Additionally, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline, a crucial gas transport project managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is also at risk.
Security agencies have been advised to remain vigilant not only at these locations but also at other potential targets. While the details of the memo and the specific agency it was directed to remain confidential, the general alert level has been significantly heightened.
Statements from two major security agencies confirm the threat, though they did not provide specifics about ISWAP’s plans. Umar Abubakar, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), stressed the importance of the threat and mentioned that the service is enhancing security measures at its facilities. He noted the collaboration with the Nigeria Police, the military, and other security agencies, emphasizing that they are taking the information seriously even without official confirmation.
Abubakar stated, “We will ensure we work around the information and see other protective measures that we can implement across all our custodial centers. I cannot speak on the intelligence information you mentioned now, but I’m sure that such a plan would not work because of the security put in place in our custodial centers.”
Similarly, Commodore Adams Alliu, spokesperson for the maritime arm of the Nigerian Armed Forces, while not addressing the new ISWAP threat specifically, assured that the Nigerian Navy maintains round-the-clock surveillance on maritime spaces, including creeks. He highlighted the continuous 24-hour pipeline security and maritime domain awareness since President Tinubu took office, ensuring there are no exploitable gaps in security.