The Federal Government, through the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has issued fresh warning of major imminent attacks planned by the deadly Boko Haram sect in the territory.
According to a letter dated of November 23, 2015 and addressed to all religious bodies and heads of major markets in the territory, the Director of Security Services of FCTA, Mohammed M. Mohammed, revealed that Boko Haram may attack soon and therefore urged relevant bodies to be on high alert to guide against the plot.
In the letter, Mohammed said young girls would likely be used for the terrorist attacks. He added that there was need for everyone to watch out for strange movement of persons and report to the relevant security agencies for further action.
“Intelligence reaching this office revealed that insurgents are planning to attack the Federal Capital Territory. Their main targets are worship centres and markets, with the use of young girls as members of aid groups to carry out their attacks,” part of the letter obtained by Saturday Sun reads: “It is in view of the foregoing that I am directed to inform you to communicate the contents of this letter to all mosques, churches and markets across the FCT for extra vigilance, particularly unknown persons dressing as aid workers loitering around the worship areas and market places.
“Please, give the contents of this letter the widest and fastest circulation to enable our worshippers to be vigilant and curb the menace of insurgents in the territory and beyond.”
Confirming the authenticity of the letter, a staff from the office of the Director of Security Services who gave his first name as Adamu, told Saturday Sun that the purpose of the letter was to warn the public and put them on alert.
He added that it was not intended to cause any panic or misinform the public, but to ensure that no one is taken unaware by the insurgents.
Following series of threats to bomb strategic places in the territory, many churches have reviewed their worship time. Others have completely banned ladies from carrying handbags to worship centres, while car parks have been completely isolated from places of worship.
Many churches in the territory also hire the services of security guards, the police, military and sometimes the Department of State Service (DSS) to conduct search operations for members coming into the church to worship. The Sun
