Nigeria’s security forces are on high alert to avert a possible attack by terrorists on public infrastructure in Abuja and Niger states, an internal memo dated April 13 obtained from the Nigeria Customs Service by The Associated Press on Wednesday showed.

The planned targets include the international airport and a prison facility in the capital city of Abuja, as well as a military detention centre in neighbouring Niger state.

“Their intention is to release detained terrorists and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure,” the memo reads.

The plan mirrors a similar attack in Niger Republic in January, in which terrorists attacked an air force base in Niamey, the memo read in a warning to customs service personnel.

'Concerning correlation'

“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 Niger Republic, notably in Niamey and Tahoua. This suggests a possible intent by terrorists to replicate the attack patterns within Nigeria,” according to the memo.

In 2022, an attack on the aforementioned prison led to the escape of 879 inmates, including 64 members of a terrorist group, which claimed responsibility for the attack.

“The military and paramilitary forces are all on high alert and ready to forestall the attack,” a senior customs service personnel member who is not authorised to speak to journalists told AP. The attacks would be carried out by Boko Haram terrorists and their affiliates, the memo said.

Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populous country, is battling a complex security crisis, especially in the north, where there is a persistent terrorism threat and several armed groups that kidnap for ransom.