Nigeria’s police say their intelligence reports show credible plans by terrorists to attack the transportation sector in the capital, Abuja.
In a released statement, national police spokesman Frank Mba called on the commissioner of police in Abuja and other police commissioners to step up security at major parks around the capital area.
Mba says the police are strengthening efforts to defeat terrorism and the security threats posed to the country.
“This is a specific threat targeted at the transportation sector. But the good news is the fact this plot was uncovered and uncovered quite timely,” said Mba.
He says the police have reassured the public not to panic, since the security agencies are working hard to prevent terrorists from carrying out their planned attacks in various parts of the country.
Police Call on Citizens to Report Suspicious Activity
“The security forces are working round the clock to ensure that they effectively neutralize and deal with this issue,” Mba. “We are leaving no stone unturned in this regard and we are just asking citizens to remain perpetually alert and vigilant, and report any suspicious movements, suspicious objects and suspicious activities within their area to the security forces.”
Mba hailed the public collaboration with police, which he said has often enabled security officials to uncover plots by terrorists across the country.
“Nigerians have risen in unison, in total solidarity with the security forces with the federal government and with the relevant agencies that are saddled with the responsibility of providing internal security,” said Mba.
“We have been getting massive cooperation from citizens in terms of information and all forms of cooperation, and we are positive that with this new wave of unity, we will come out stronger and better as a people and as a nation and we will overcome the threat of terrorism. Not just within our borders, but also within the entire continent,” said Mba.
Some Nigerians say the transportation sector has become a soft target for terrorists, including violent Islamist militants, Boko Haram.
They urge security agencies to do more to protect unarmed civilians, especially since some public transport stations near the capital were recently attacked twice by terrorists, leaving scores dead and many injured.
But Mba says the police and other security groups have intensified efforts to defeat terrorism.
“This threat that was uncovered before it was actualized will not destroy the transport system in Nigeria,” said Mba. “We will work together with our citizens, we will work together with government at all levels to ensure that we neutralize this threat and that life and businesses in Nigeria will continue.”
Your browser doesn’t support HTML5
Clottey interview with Frank Mba, Nigeria Police Force spokesman