Nigeria’s security agencies have been placed on heightened alert following intelligence warnings that sleeper cells linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram may be planning coordinated attacks on key infrastructure in Abuja and parts of Niger State.
According to reports linked to an internal memo from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), potential targets include the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, a correctional facility in Abuja, and a military detention centre in neighbouring Niger State.
The memo, cited in international reporting, warned that the suspected plots mirror previous attacks carried out in neighbouring Niger Republic, where terrorist groups targeted aviation and military installations.
Security officials fear the attackers may be attempting to replicate similar tactics in Nigeria, particularly by targeting aviation infrastructure and attempting to free detained suspects.
Authorities noted that the intelligence suggests a deliberate strategy aimed at critical national assets, raising concerns about possible coordinated strikes.
Nigeria has continued to face persistent insecurity in several regions, including insurgency-related violence, bandit attacks, kidnappings, and clashes between armed groups.
The country was recently ranked among the most affected nations globally by terrorism in a 2026 international security index, reflecting a significant rise in terrorism-related fatalities.
Meanwhile, recent foreign travel advisories referencing Nigeria’s security situation have drawn attention, though government officials have described such warnings as precautionary measures rather than indicators of immediate collapse in security conditions.
Security agencies are said to be maintaining surveillance and strengthening protective measures around key installations as part of ongoing preventive operations.
