Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have been put on red alert following intelligence report that Boko Haram terrorists have penetrated into Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This was contained in a circular titled: “Re: Intelligence on national security”, stated that the insurgency are planning to attack five identified locations.
In an internal memo signed by the Comptroller of enforcement at NCF headquarters on Saturday, H.A. Sabo read in part, “information reaching the Comptroller-General of Custom (CGC) reveals that there exist Boko Haram terrorists camps (BH”s) in and around the federal capital territory.”
“They are reported to have set up their camps in the following identified enclaves; Kunyam bush along airport road off DIA staff quarters – Abuja, Robochi/Gwagwalada forest, Kwaku Forest Kuje – Abuja, Unaisha Forest in Toto Local Government of Nasarawa State, Gegu Close to Idu Town in Kogi.
“Consequently, you are to be at alert and security conscious of your environment at all times. Ensure wide circulation please,” the circular read.
It is worthy to note that the first major terror attack in the FCT was on October 1, 2010, months after ex-Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, assumed office following the death of Umar Musa Yar’adua.
Meanwhile, Governor Yahaya Bello has remained mum since the outbreak of the disturbing news. I believe he must have read or heard the news because his chief press secretary is always active.
Kogi State shared thin border with Federal Capital Territory and whenever somethings is happening in FCT, it always signal Kogi State to be at alert.
Terrorism is absolutely different from sickness or virus. Living with virus can not be argued, but you cannot live with terrorist amicably. They often lay hazardous and debilitating effects.
If Boko Haram insurgency can set up their camp in Gegu close to Idu town in Kogi, then where can we be saved again? Nobody has ever cared to know the existence of sambisa forest, but sambisa forest has become widely known for the notorious and heinous activities of the terrorists. Necessary measures that can curtail their incursion need be introduced, if not checked Gegu and Idu would be identified with such heinous name.
Boko Haram insurgency which started in Borno State, has again escalated to neighboring States like Adamawa and Yobe. It is not among our aspirations to see the dreaded group in our land, but if we fail to act fast and decisively, it would definitely come. Little do we possesses mercenaries to tackle them. The sad but honest question is, If Boko Haram can find its base in Borno State, what is Kogi State?
It is obvious that Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has done his best in terms of insecurity raging from Fulani herdsmen, cultists, thugs etc, but there’s need to launch more efforts in order to eradicate insecurity from the state.
It is of my firm believe that, if the governor is been given the necessary supports with his style of leadership that is intolerant of hoodlums, when it comes to security, he would frantically do everything possible to neutralize all threats, but the question that remains to be answered is; what about financial status of the state, do we have fund to fight insecurity of such magnitude? I doubt.
Been trapped in a weird and problematic state is one thing and proffering solution is another. Be as it may, it is pertinent we uncover the looming doom before thinking of how to quench it.
In my own humble opinion, it is right time for Governor Bello to start rehearsing on possible ways to stop this foreseen menace. It is advisable you call head of security service chief’s in the state, statesmen and other elites with reasonable contribution together to brainstorm on modalities to diffuse this latent threats. I believe with this concrete steps, the state will have stable rest of mind.
– Abubakar Yunusa writes from Abuja.
