The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has placed the country’s security forces on high alert as sleeper cells of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram plan attacks on key infrastructure in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and Niger State.
This was disclosed in the customs’ internal memo dated April 13, according to The Associated Press.
The memo said the attacks would target the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and a prison facility in Abuja, as well as a military detention centre in Niger State.
“Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure,” it reads.
According to the NCS, investigations indicate that terrorists may attempt to replicate in Nigeria the recent major attacks on facilities in Niamey and Tahoua in the Niger Republic.
“An analysis of the report reveals a concerning correlation between the potential targeting of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, and recent large-scale attacks on aviation facilities in the Niger Republic, notably in Niamey and Tahoua,” the memo said.
It added, “This suggests a possible intent by terrorists to replicate the attack patterns within Nigeria.”
On January 29 this year, gunfire and explosions rocked the international airport in Niamey, in what security sources tagged a “terrorist attack” by suspected jihadists in Nigeria’s neighbouring country.
ISWAP terrorists also attacked the Nigerien Air Force base in Niamey earlier this year. Four soldiers were wounded, and an aircraft was damaged in the attack.
“The military and paramilitary forces are all on high alert and ready to forestall the attack,” AP quoted a senior customs officer.
When contacted for comment, the NCS spokesperson, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, told Peoples Gazette he was unaware of the memo.
Over the years, many parts of Nigeria have faced security challenges ranging from banditry to Boko Haram insurgency, mass kidnappings for ransom, and farmer-herder violence.
Nigeria ranked fourth in the Global Terrorism Index released on March 19, 2026, by the Institute for Economics and Peace, recording a 46 per cent increase in deaths from terrorism in 2025.
The report said, “Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram were responsible for 80 per cent of all terrorism deaths in the country.”
Days ago, the U.S. State Department authorised non-emergency government employees and family members to evacuate its embassy in Nigeria’s capital, citing widespread insecurity.
“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach,” the U.S. said in its advisory, which the Nigerian government dismissed.