•Urges citizens’ vigilance
The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has warned that recent massive successes recorded by the military against insurgents in different parts of the North may push the insurgents into isolated attacks aimed at creating fear and seeking attention.
The ONSA, in a security advisory released in Abuja, warned that Nigerians must remain “vigilant and security-conscious amid evolving threats across parts of the country.”
It said the recent setbacks suffered by terrorist and criminal groups “could prompt them to resort to isolated attacks designed to create fear and attract public attention.”
The NSA stated: “There is a need for heightened alertness, as such groups may seek to carry out isolated acts aimed at creating fear or drawing attention to themselves.”
According to the office in the advisory dated August 27, Nigerians should remain vigilant and security-conscious of threats from parts of the country.
It, however, stated that intelligence, security and law enforcement agencies, working with local and international partners, had intensified intelligence gathering and threat monitoring nationwide.
The office said the advisory was issued against the backdrop of sustained military and security operations across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, which it said had recorded notable successes against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal groups.
The advisory further noted: “The NSA said the operations had resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorist and bandit commanders, including Abubakar Al-Mainok, alias Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, as well as the disruption of camps, hideouts and other criminal strongholds in various locations.
“It, however, warned that the setbacks suffered by terrorist and criminal groups could prompt them to resort to isolated attacks designed to create fear and attract public attention.
“There is a need for heightened alertness, as such groups may seek to carry out isolated acts aimed at creating fear or drawing attention to themselves,” the advisory stated.
The ONSA called on members of the public to maintain vigilance at all times and pay close attention to their immediate surroundings.
“It also urged citizens to report unusual or suspicious persons, objects, vehicles and movements promptly through appropriate security channels.
“The advisory further called on state and local governments to take a proactive role in strengthening community vigilance and supporting preventive security measures.
“They were also urged to ensure timely information sharing with security agencies to facilitate early response to emerging threats.
“The NSA stressed the importance of cooperation between citizens and security agencies in preventing security incidents and protecting lives and property, while reassuring the international community.
“The advisory assured the international community that the Nigerian government remained committed to maintaining a safe and stable environment for citizens, foreign nationals, diplomatic missions, investors and development partners.
“It added that the government would continue to work with the international community through intelligence sharing, security cooperation and coordinated preventive measures to tackle evolving threats and strengthen collective security.”