The Federal Government has ordered extra security at its airports following the receipt of a fresh threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to attack commercial flights and bring “bloodshed to the skies.”
The government upon the receipt of the airport attack threat issued by Al-Abd al-Faquir Media, a pro-ISIS media outlet had issued a letter of alert dated May 25, 2018 from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and all security establishments working at the country’s airports to intensify the screening process of all passengers and luggage and to be more vigilant to forestall any potential security breach at their duty post.
According to the letter, the government had notified the various airports and security agencies that ISIS appeared to be re-strategising with more focus on the Middle East and Asia, following the loss of most of its territory in Iraq and Syria.
The letter from the Nigerian government read in part: “Available report reveals that Al-Abd al-Faquir Media, a pro-ISIS media outlet is warning of plans to attack commercial flights and bring bloodshed to the skies. The warning was accompanied by an image of a clean-shaved dark haired man sitting on the aisle seat of a flight with a knife in his hand.
“Although Africa appears not to be on ISIS immediate focus, the return to Africa of former ISIS fighters from Iraq and Syria as well as the existence of ISIS-linked groups such as the technically suave Abu Musab Al-Barnawi-led Boko Haram faction call for increased vigilance in the aviation sector to counter possible new strategies in the ISIS terror campaign.
“From the foregoing report, rigorous vetting of airline personnel and screening of passengers as well as increased vigilance on restricted areas at (Nigerian) airport are advised.
