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There are stories that are disturbing and unpleasant to listen to. The news of a terrorist attack in the capital of the country is one of those news. As the seat of the nation’s power, the security of Abuja should be the primary concern of all citizens and governments in power in Nigeria.
Nothing is more pleasant to the ears than hearing the news debunking the fallacy, over the weekend, of the news of a letter in circulation supposedly from the Nigerian Customs Service authorities, revealing “the existence of terrorist camps of Boko Haram (BHT) in and around the Federal Capital Territory ”. The supposed but terrifying memorandum has exposed the terrorists’ plan to launch a deadly attack against selected targets within the territory.
He listed 5 camps established by the terrorist group in strategic enclaves of Abuja: Mount Kunyam (along the airport road), Robuchi (Gwagwalada forest), Kwakwu forest (Kuje), Unaisha forest (Toto LG of Nasaraw state) and Gegu forest (Kogi). state).
It is good news that the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has denied issuing a red alert on terrorists regrouping in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Despite denying the memorandum allegedly emanating from the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian government should be proactive and vigilant about the uncertain security situation in the country. Law enforcement agencies and their staff must not sleep upon hearing the reassuring news that NCS did not issue an attack warning. There is work to do. Is it necessary to conduct a thorough investigation to discover the origin of the alarming threat? Not only that, the culprit should be punished for causing unnecessary public fear and emboldening the determination of terrorists to attack our nation’s capital.
In fact, the security situation in Abuja is precarious and does not differ from that of other places under the imminent deadly attack by terrorists. The foci of offensives coordinated by reckless terrorists in all the states that have a common border with FCT are good reason to think. Based on the reality of the situation on the ground, FCT residents do not need to be warned of a possible attack. The signs are as clear as daylight. The FCT administration, the residents of Abuja and the security agencies must look into their hearts, be open to the truth and accept the reality that the safety of life and property is a collective responsibility. It is high time that we turn our attention and fight our common enemy and stop the distribution of the guilt mentality.
With the recent discovery of terrorist camps in the states of Nasarawa and Niger, and a couple of intermittent and violent attacks in the states of Kaduna and Kogi, the inhabitants of the city of Abuja should not live under the illusion that they are not vulnerable. to the terrorist incursion. The Council on Foreign Relations report on Abubakar Shekau’s bloodthirsty “jihadist” faction establishing bases in north-central Nigeria, particularly Niger state, is terrifying. Not long ago, Boko Haram posted a video of its members celebrating Sallah eid el-fitr at a camp in the state of Niger.
In a related event, the Nigerian army discovered a bomb factory and destroyed the camp of a new terrorist group “Darul Salam” in the Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.
The main target of the terrorist attack in central Nigeria is the Federal Capital Territory. What we are witnessing today is the attempt by terrorist cells to regroup and launch an offensive in the heart of the nation. The government has built a fort around Abuja. There has been an escalation of petty crime in the city. Abuja’s security architecture has proved impregnable so far. However, we cannot afford to be complacent. Sporadic attacks in Abuja’s neighboring states are cause for concern. The government must do all that is humanly possible to prevent terrorist incursion into the city. An attack on Abuja is an attack on the entire nation.
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), cities are the new front line of terrorism. He says: “The goal of today’s terrorist is not only to attack civilians and spread fear, but also to make city residents confront each other.” That terrorists are targeting cities makes sense. Cities like Abuja may be potential targets of attack precisely because they are centers of political, economic and cultural power.
We are dealing with monsters that kill other human beings for fun. Even wild beasts hunt and kill for food. They do not maim, destroy habitat, or kill for pleasure. It is surprising that animals are more compassionate than terrorists. While we sleep, they are busy recruiting children in northwestern Nigeria. Because we have not taken decisive action against this dangerous trend, we are indirectly encouraging terrorists to regroup among us. So it started in Maiduguri. Terrorists are wild beasts in the garb of human beings. His heart is hardened and lacks mercy. They delight in causing extensive damage and inflicting maximum damage on their innocent and defenseless victims.
Abuja is a microcosm of Nigeria. It is the Metropole of our country. It is our pride. A devastating blow to the city is a blow to Nigeria. Therefore, we must take the security of Abuja and all of our cities seriously. We must not give terrorists the freedom to unleash terror at the Nigerian seat of government. If you think you are safe because you are protected by a security escort from terrorist attack, you are wrong. No one is safe. We are all victims of terrorism. We must fight together.
Saleh Bature is a journalist, social commentator and advocate for the Abuja dialogue. You can reach him by email at [email protected]
