· Bars, residents close early
· vigilante prohibited from carrying firearms in FCT
· FCTA delivers operational vehicles to police
By Emmanuel Ogbeche & Sarah NEGEDU
Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital territory was under the weight of security advisories by the United States Mission in Nigeria, and the British High Commission, warning of possible terror attacks on the city.
Barely 24 hours after the notices, the U.S. Embassy evacuated some of its not-so-essential [personnel fuelling further apprehension and agitation by Nigerians for the federal government to act decisively.
FG denies of any plot
The federal government swiftly dismissed the Americans and British claims, stressing that it was on top of the situation.
First to react was the Department of State Services, DSS, which said the U.S advisory was no different from that which has been issued by it.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunnaya, the DSS said: “the Department of State Services has received several enquiries relating to the security advisory issued by the US Embassy in Abuja, today, October 23, 2022. The public may recall that the Service had variously issued similar warnings in the past.
“While advising that necessary precautions are taken by all and sundry, the populace is enjoined to remain alert and assist security agencies with useful information regarding threats and suspicious criminal acts around them.
“Meanwhile, the Service calls for calm as it works with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to maintain peace and order in and beyond Abuja.”
CSOs kick
A coalition of patriotic non-governmental organisations, NGOs, described the security advisories by the US and UK Governments as distractive in form and destabilising in content, while urging Nigerians to have confidence in the ability of government to confront common existential threats.
The groups at a world press conference, Saturday in Abuja, said it has become urgent and compelling, to warn and alert the public that plans are afoot to re-engineer the prediction of disintegration.
“This is, therefore, an auspicious moment for us as Nigerians to come together and fight against insecurity, criminality and other forms of threats to national security and corporate existence. May we not witness the day when, in the pursuit of their own interest, our dear nation will be used as a field of play.”
Abuja becomes “ghost town”
As the tension heightened, residents and others in Abuja took to closing early and avoiding usual crowded spots.
Areas such as Banex, Wuse and Graki markets including Utako witnessed less human and vehicular movements.
Also, the ever-busy Nyanya-Mararaba Road saw light traffic even at rush hours.
One of our correspondents reports that the popular Berger Roundabout in the heart of Abuja was always nearly devoid of human activities from 6:30pm since the advisories.
Berger, Jabi Mall, American and British Concerns close shop
The terror alert also affected business activities as construction giant, Julius Berger closed down operations in Abuja.
The management of Jabi Lake Mall had also shut down all business activities owing to what it described as the “interest of the security of shoppers and its staff members.”
However, less than 24 hours after, the management of the mall went back on its decision and reopened its doors to customers and staff of the establishment.
Offices and NGOs like the Palladium aligned to the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office of the British Government were asked to work remotely till November 1 until the situation was reviewed.
FCT donates operational vehicles
To boost security presence, the FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, donated 60 operational vehicles to the police and other security agencies to aid their operations.
“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has put in place several measures to confront current security challenges and to contain the threats posed by criminals in all forms. We expect that these vehicles and other security equipment will be put to effective use,” Bello said at the handing over.
“No weapons for vigilantes in Abuja”
The FCT Security Committee listed new code of conduct for vigilante operation in the territory.
The committee at its last meeting last Thursday, decided that vigilantes are also prohibited from carrying out any operation without the presence of the police or the express approval of the Divisional Police Officer, in their respective jurisdictions.
The Director of information and communication, Muhammad Sule, in a statement over the weekend said these were some of the decisions reached by the FCT Security Committee at its 11th meeting, presided over by the Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Muhammad Bello, held in Gwarinpa I District, Abuja.
He said the newly established Code of Conduct for members of the vigilante group, required that any member of the group, who recovers a hazardous weapon from a criminal suspect is expected to keep a detailed account and report to the police for further investigation.
