NCS Raises Alarm Over Planned Boko Haram, ISWAP Attacks on Abuja Airport, Kuje Prison and Other Strategic Facilities
The Nigeria’s security agencies have heightened surveillance and security measures following intelligence reports warning of planned terrorist attacks on key locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring Niger State.
This was made known through an internal memo issued by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and dated April 13, 2026, revealing that extremist groups including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) may be planning coordinated attacks on strategic national assets.
The document, signed by Deputy Comptroller-General T. Bomodi of the Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection unit, warned of “planned attacks by terrorist cells against key locations in Abuja and Niger State and the need for enhanced level of security within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.”
According to the memo, intelligence reports received by the office of the Comptroller-General of Customs indicated that terrorists may be targeting critical infrastructure, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, the Kuje Custodial Centre, and the Wawa Military Detention Facility in Niger State.
The memo stated, “The CGC is in receipt of credible report indicating plans by Boko Haram (BH) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to execute series of coordinated attacks on strategic locations within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State.” It further explained that the suspected aim of the attackers is to free detained militants and cause damage to aviation infrastructure.
The report specifically noted, “Their intention is to release detained terrorists and infliction of significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure.” Security intelligence also suggested that operatives linked to ISWAP had already infiltrated the FCT to facilitate the attacks.
The memo said, “It is indicated that ISWAP operatives have already infiltrated the FCT to facilitate the attacks led by Ismail Dan Hajja, identified as the leader of the ISWAP Kano Cell.” Authorities warned that the planned operation could involve collaboration between different extremist factions.
In response to the intelligence alert, the Customs Service directed heightened security and surveillance around key facilities and government infrastructure in Abuja.
The memo instructed officers that, “All visitors to Customs commands and facilities should be thoroughly screened and persons without plausible reason for visits should not be granted access.” It also ordered reinforcement of security patrols and coordinated monitoring across critical locations. According to the directive, “Fou Zones B & D, along with CC CIU and CC CPU are to send reinforcements to secure the NCS HQ, FCT Command and other critical facilities around the target zones through coordinated patrols and surveillance.”
Officials were also instructed to report suspicious movements immediately and ensure officers assigned to guard duties remain present.
The memo concluded with a clear directive, “Any suspicious movement should be reported immediately… Treat as urgent, please.”
The intelligence warning comes amid rising insecurity across Nigeria, particularly in the northern region where insurgent groups remain active.
Nigeria has faced a prolonged insurgency since 2009 led by Boko Haram and its splinter faction ISWAP, with attacks frequently targeting government institutions, security formations and civilians. In recent months, the country has experienced several security incidents, including suicide bombings in Maiduguri that killed dozens and injured many others.
