The Nigeria Police Force has reacted to an intelligence report issued by the United States government of planned terror attacks at designated points within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In a statement published on its website and seen by News.ng on Sunday, October 23, the US government noted that it targeted government buildings, places of worship, schools and markets.
Others include shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations.
Reacting to the security alert, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm.
He ordered the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, heads of tactical squads domiciled in the FCT, and other State Command CPs to restrategize security management within their jurisdictions.
“Police as the lead agency in internal security, will not take any threat intelligence, either actionable or not, for granted; thus, there is no cause for alarm as all hands are on deck to collectively nip threats in the bud,” he declared.
The IGP further announced the immediate commencement of a Counter Terrorism Incident Simulation Exercise codenamed ‘Operation Darkin Gaggawa’ from October 25th – 26th.
“The exercise will involve diversion of traffic, use of blank ammunition, and other operational manpower and assets, and is designed to improve interoperability and synergy between different Units and Formations of the Force in response to terrorist incidents and other violent crimes,” the IGP said.
While restating the police commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, the IGP urged the public not to panic at the sounds of explosives and gunshots during the exercise.