Following a memo from the office of the acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Baba, on the plans by Boko Haram terrorists to attack the FCT and Plateau state, which had gone viral on social media, the Police boss has assured residents of their safety and security.
The memo by the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the IGP, acting Commissioner of Police Idowu Owonunwa, dated May 19, 2021, and addressed to the CP FCT and Plateau state, stated that: “Intelligence report at the disposal of the IGP has uncovered plans by Book Haram terrorists to attack major cities of the country, particularly in Jos, Plateau state and the FCT, Abuja.”
The memo, titled: “Terrorism Elements To Expand Frontiers of Attack” further stated: “The proposed attacks would be coordinated by the duo of Muhammed Sani, a Book Haram Commander, domiciled in Sambisa Forest, and his Deputy, Suleiman (fnu), hibernating around Lawan Musa Zango, Gashua, Yobe state.
“In the light of the above, it is the directive of the IGP that you review your security architecture across all critical government infrastructure and Police facilities in your jurisdiction with a view to checkmating the dastardly plans of the marauding terrorists.”
However, in a swift response, IGP Baba in a press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, on Friday in Abuja, said there was no cause for panic and urged resident of FCT and Plateau go about their lawful day-to-day activities.
The statement read in part, “The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has assured citizens of the FCT, Plateau state and other contiguous states, of safety and security as they go about their lawful day-to-day activities.
“The IGP’s assurance is coming on the heels of the unintended, viral spread of an internal directive issued to the Commissioners of Police in Plateau state and FCT Commands to forestall any likelihood of attack or breach of security by organised criminal elements in their Areas of Responsibilities (AOR).
“The IGP’s directive, which is a deliberate, intelligence-driven and proactive measure, is designed to prepare the law enforcement community for comprehensive response to any threat to lives and property.
“The Police High Command therefore calls for calm, urging citizens to go about their normal activities with renewed sense of vigour, patriotism and vigilance as the Police continue to work with other relevant stakeholders to keep our public space safe.”
