Nigerian Security Forces On High Al€rt As Terrorists Plot Coordinated Att∆ck On Abuja Airport, Prison –Report
Nigerian Security Forces On High Alert As Terrorists Plot Coordinated Attack On Abuja Airport, Prison –Report
Security sources said the alert has triggered heightened surveillance and operational readiness across multiple agencies, particularly around aviation hubs and custodial centres considered high-risk targets.
Nigeria’s security agencies have been placed on high alert following intelligence indicating a planned large-scale attack by suspected Islamist militants targeting key public infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring Niger State.
AP News reports that an internal memo dated 13 April, obtained from the Nigeria Customs Service, suggested the looming threat involves coordinated assaults on the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, a prison facility in Abuja, and a military detention centre in Niger State.
The document, which was circulated to customs personnel, warned that the attackers’ objective is both strategic and destructive.
“Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure,” the memo stated.
Security sources said the alert has triggered heightened surveillance and operational readiness across multiple agencies, particularly around aviation hubs and custodial centres considered high-risk targets.
The memo further drew parallels with a recent attack in neighbouring Niger Republic, where Islamist fighters launched a deadly assault on an air force base in Niamey earlier this year.
“An analysis of the report reveals a concerning correlation between the potential targeting of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja and recent large-scale attacks on aviation facilities in Niger Republic, notably in Niamey and Tahoua. This suggests a possible intent by terrorists to replicate the attack patterns within Nigeria,” the document added.
Last week, the U.S. government further disclosed that it had authorised the departure of non-emergency staff and family members from its embassy in Abuja, citing worsening security conditions.
The United States Department of State also renewed its travel advisory on Nigeria, urging its citizens to avoid visiting Nigeria over escalating insecurity marked by terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest.
The updated advisory released on April 8, 2026 stated that Nigeria remains on Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travelling to the West African country.
According to U.S. authorities, the security situation continued to deteriorate in several parts of the country.
The advisory also confirmed that Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba states had now been added to the “Do Not Travel” list, signalling deepening concerns over safety.
According to the advisory, Americans were strongly warned against travelling to several regions across Nigeria.
States listed under terrorism, crime, and kidnapping risks included Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa, where insurgent attacks and violent clashes remained prevalent.
Similarly, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara were flagged due to persistent unrest, armed banditry, and widespread kidnappings.
In the South, the advisory warned against travel to Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt), citing criminal gangs, separatist-linked violence, and frequent abductions.
The U.S. authorities painted a grim picture of security across Nigeria, noting that violent crimes such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, rape, and hostage-taking were common nationwide.
The warning, as reported by AP News, has revived memories of the devastating 2022 attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre, where heavily armed militants stormed the facility, freeing hundreds of inmates, including high-profile suspects.
In July 2022, SaharaReporters reported that members of the Islamic State West Africa Province claimed responsibility for the attack, releasing a video showing fighters shooting their way into the prison complex.
Although government officials initially claimed that 64 Boko Haram members escaped, security insiders told SaharaReporters that the figure was significantly higher, with over 200 suspects unaccounted for after the breach.
Among those who escaped were notorious commanders, including Usman Abubakar Muhammad, also known as Abubakar Sa’id, described by prison officials as the leader of Boko Haram inmates within the facility and a close subordinate to Ansaru leader Khalid al-Barnawi.
Other escapees reportedly included bomb-making expert Isma’i Yusuf and Mustafa Umar, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment over a deadly bombing in Kaduna.
