The federal government of Nigeria has alerted on reported plans by some criminal elements to launch attacks on some airports in the country.
A memo from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) indicated that it received a warning from the ministry of aviation over plans to attack some airports in the country.
The listed airports are Kaduna, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Kano, Abuja, and Lagos airports.
It is further understood that security has been beefed up around the airports to forestall the planned attacks but the air of uncertainty created by the report still exists.
The news which has gone viral on social media was attributed to a memo dated April 9, 2021 by the FAAN Deputy General Manager of Administration and Logistics, S.M. Mamman, which reads: “I am directed to convey an alert from the Ministry of Aviation regarding security threats by criminal elements against Airports in Nigeria and to request for the immediate enumeration of necessary countermeasures for the protection of Airports/facilities under your purview.
“Specifically, the Airports top on the list for which criminals are considering carrying out attacks include those in Kaduna, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Kano, Abuja, and Lagos amongst others. However, all airports are hereby alerted and requested to operate at a heightened threat level.
“The airport chiefs have been directed to “submit a list of existing and additional countermeasures to address the threats, along with their cost implications where applicable.
“Also, they are expected to urgently convene an emergency meeting of airport security committees “to review the status of airport security, jointly recommend appropriate measures and share responsibility for effective implementation”.
Attempts to verify the authenticity of the memo were not successful at press time as the FAAN spokesperson didn’t respond to calls and messages.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, has finally appeared before a committee of the House of Representatives to brief the lawmakers on the procurement of arms and ammunition.
Naija News reports that the Army Chief appeared before the Ad Hoc Committee on the Need to Review the Purchase, Use and Control of Arms, Ammunition and Related Hardware by Military, Paramilitary and Other Law Enforcement Agencies. around 3:00 pm on Monday.