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A confidential internal memo from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered plans by terrorist factions to launch coordinated attacks on three major security installations in the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State.
The April 13 document, signed by Deputy Comptroller General Timi Bomodi, head of the Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation (EI&I) unit, names the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja, and a military detention centre in Wawa, Niger State, as the primary targets, Premium Times reports.
According to the document, four insurgent organisations are behind the plot: the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the Sadiku-led faction of Boko Haram, Ansaru, and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen (JNIM).
The memo also states that ISWAP fighters, acting under instructions from the group’s Kano-based commander, have already entered the Federal Capital Territory in preparation for the assaults on the airport and Kuje prison.
The planned attack on the Wawa military detention facility is being orchestrated by the Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction in collaboration with Ansaru and JNIM, the document adds.
“Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure,” the memo reads.
It also notes that the proposed airport assault resembles previous Islamic State attacks on aviation facilities in Niamey and Tahoua in the Niger Republic.
“This suggests a possible intent by terrorists to replicate the attack patterns within Nigeria,” the document states.
Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed to Premium Times that the memo is authentic.
He described it as a “leaked” internal document not intended for public release.
Maiwada declined to comment further, stating that the contents relate to national security matters and fall outside his authorised scope of public discussion.
The NCS has reportedly begun implementing security measures based on the intelligence.
The service has directed its commands to increase security and patrols around critical infrastructure, with particular attention to the FCT command and the airport.
Field operatives have been instructed to “strengthen surveillance and protective coverage” around the airport and other strategic assets within the FCT and surrounding areas.
“All visitors to Customs Commands and facilities should be thoroughly screened, and persons without a plausible reason for visits should not be granted access,” the memo instructs.
The service has also ordered its units to adopt proactive, coordinated measures to anticipate and mitigate potential threats at all identified vulnerable points within their areas of responsibility.
In order to secure the Customs Headquarters, its FCT commands, and other vital assets within the designated target areas through coordinated patrols and increased surveillance, Customs also instructed specialised units, such as anti-smuggling teams in Zones B and D, the Customs Police Unit (CPU), and the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), to deploy reinforcements.
“Patrol teams should maintain constant communication with Central Command to ensure safety,” the memo said.
“Visiting rounds officers are hereby directed to confirm availability of all officers assigned to guard duty.”
