A security report has uncovered plans by terrorists to attack airport and prison facilities in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as the neighbouring Niger State.
Penpushing reports that an internal memo released by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), said the attacks are being planned by fighters of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction, Ansaru and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal- Muslimeen (JNIM).
The Deputy Comptroller General, heading the Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation (EI&I) unit, Timi Bomodi in the memo dated April 13, 2026 revealed that the terrorists are targeting Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Kuje Custodial Centre, and a military detention facility in Wawa, Niger State.
Penpushing further reports that the two-page memo, emphasised that Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), fighters, led by the group’s leader in Kano, have already infiltrated Abuja in preparation for the attack on the airport and Kuje prison.
The document pointed out that the attack on the military detention facility in Wawa is being orchestrated by the Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction in collaboration with Ansaru and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal- Muslimeen (JNIM).
Penpushing also reports that the memo stated that terrorists intention is to release their detained colleagues and inflict significant damage on critical aviation infrastructure, adding that the planned attack on the airport is similar to the Islamic State’s attacks on aviation facilities in Niamey and Tahoua in the Niger Republic stating that this suggests a possible intent by terrorists to replicate the attack patterns within Nigeria.
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada acknowledged the memo, explaining that it was a leaked document not meant for the public, and described the content of the memo as issues of national security, adding he’s not authorised to speak on such matters.
Penpushing reports that following this development, the Customs has called for enhanced security measures and increased patrols around critical infrastructure, particularly its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command and the airport.
The Command equally directed its operatives to strengthen surveillance and protective coverage around the airport and other strategic assets within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.
“All visitors to Customs Commands and facilities should be thoroughly screened, and persons without a plausible reason for visits should not be granted access,” the memo emphasised.
Penpushing further reports that the Customs instructed operatives to emplace proactive and coordinated measures, and preempt and mitigate any potential threats to all identified vulnerable points within their areas of responsibility.
The Customs directed specialised units—including anti-smuggling teams in Zones B and D, Customs Police Unit (CPU), and the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU)—to deploy reinforcements to secure the Customs Headquarters, as well as its Abuja commands, and other critical assets within the identified target areas through coordinated patrols and enhanced surveillance.
“Patrol teams should maintain constant communication with Central Command to ensure safety,” the memo said. “Visiting rounds officers are hereby directed to confirm availability of all officers assigned to guard duty’, the statement stated
Penpushing also reports that the customs noting that the matter be treated with urgency, however, advised that any suspicious movement should be reported immediately.
The Sadiku Boko Haram faction operates alongside Ansaru and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal- Muslimeen (JNIM).in the vicinity of Kainji Lake National Park, while it is recalled that in July 2025, intelligence sources said the group moved from Shiroro local government area in Niger State to the Kainji axis, where it kidnapped more than 300 students and staff at St. Mary’s Catholic school in Papiri.
Penpushing reports that groups was also responsible for the abduction of more than 100 women and children from Woro (Kwara), Kasuwan Daji and Konkoso (Niger), while there have been similar attacks in Abuja and neighbouring Niger State, where at least three insurgent groups and bandits hold sway.
The terrorists on October 30, 2022 attempted to breach the Wawa Cantonment, a military detention facility in Borgu local government of Niger State believed to be holding numerous insurgents, in a bid to free their captured comrades.
Penpushing further reports that the attack was repelled, and many of the attackers were killed or arrested, while the failed assault came months after a coordinated attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram and Ansaru, which led to the release of no fewer than 64 terrorists.
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