Nigerian security, including soldiers, police and the Civil Defence Corps have taken over key areas, including markets in Abuja in an apparent show of power to forestall imminent terrorist attacks.
Recall that a memo by the Nigeria Immigration service (NIS), has gone round informing the Nigerian security architecture of an imminent terror attack on soft targets in Abuja during the yuletide period, this correspondent saw the fearsome looking team codenamed Echo 6 and Echo 12 first on foot, armed to the teeth and battle-ready at the popular Banex Plaza. They took over the entire road, and warned residents from getting any close or taking pictures or videos.
At the popular Area 1 Shopping Centre, we ran smack into a huge traffic snarl from a long line of military and security personnel apparently combing the marketfor any signs of trouble from terrorists.
Some traders who spoke to this reporter, said they were initially afraid to open their shops today following rumors that terrorists were planning to attack Abuja.
“We are happy that our soldiers and security people are here to provide us with needs security as we go about our businesses,”Saliu Ibrahim, a shop owner who sells bags said
Not everyone at the Area 1 complex appeared happy to see the policemen and soldiers.
“See this hold up? It will extend to Area 10…why can’t they just position themselves at some points at this complex and monitor things instead of blocking the road and making us suffer in this heat,” a commuter said.
Beginning from yesterday December 23rd 2021 when the NIS memo spread around social media, many Abuja residents planning to do last minute shopping for Christmas have opted to remain at home.
