The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions amid possible security threats in some parts of the country.
The advisory was contained in a security alert issued by the ONSA on August 27 and circulated to security agencies.
According to the advisory, the warning followed ongoing military offensives, intelligence operations and surveillance activities being conducted by Nigerian security agencies in partnership with local and international counterparts.
The document highlighted recent successes recorded in counter-terrorism operations, including the elimination of several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and commanders.
Among those killed was Abubakar Mainok, also known as Abu Bilal al-Minuki, who was eliminated alongside other members of his group during a joint operation involving Nigerian and United States forces.
The operation, which took place in March, targeted an ISWAP stronghold located on an island in Borno State, in northeastern Nigeria.
โThis advisory is issued against the backdrop of sustained operations by Nigerian security agencies across the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, which have recorded notable successes against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal groups,โ the ONSA stated.
โThese operations have led to the neutralisation of several terrorist and bandit commanders, including Abubakar Al-Mainok alias Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, as well as the disruption of camps, hideouts, and other criminal strongholds in various areas,โ it continued.
Despite the successes recorded by security forces, the ONSA said terrorist groups โmay seek to carry out isolated acts aimed at creating fear or drawing attention to themselves.โ
The warning comes against the backdrop of continued attacks by terrorist and bandit groups in parts of northern Nigeria, where security personnel, communities and major transport routes have remained targets.
The groups have also continued efforts to expand their areas of influence despite sustained military operations against them.
The ONSA consequently urged Nigerians to โmaintain vigilance at all times and remain security-conscious in their immediate environment.โ
It also called on state and local government authorities to intensify community-based security measures, support preventive initiatives and promptly share relevant intelligence with security agencies.
โCitizens are encouraged to remain alert to unusual or suspicious persons, objects, vehicles, and movements within their environment,โ ONSA said in the security alert, adding that such incidents should be promptly reported through appropriate channels.
The security adviser further urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information capable of causing panic.
The agency said protecting lives and property remains a priority and called for continued cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
It also assured foreign nationals, diplomatic missions, investors, development partners and the wider international community of the governmentโs commitment to maintaining a safe and stable environment.
โThe government will also continue to work closely with the international community through sustained intelligence sharing, security cooperation, and coordinated preventive measures to address evolving threats and strengthen collective security,โ it concluded.
(PREMIUM TIMES)
