In a crackdown on some suspected terrorist hideouts in Abuja, the Nigerian secret police have arrested suspects, including those who had explosives and weapons in their possession.
ALSO READ: United States is evacuating staff from Nigeria over risk of terror attacks
Reports say the Department of State Security, DSS, in collaboration with US soldiers, uncovered boxes of explosives, two pistols in an apartment rented by a terrorist in Trademore Estate located in Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory.
But authoritative sources say this was one of the few other hideouts “gallantly uncovered by the DSS in the last few days.” The sources say there were couple of other similar arrests around the Federal Capital Territory.
A disclosure contained in a notice issued by the Trademore Estate group to occupants on Wednesday alerted the residents, warning them to be more vigilant regarding neighbors.
ALSO READ: DSS calls for calm over terror attack warnings in Abuja
In the notice, residents were advised to remain vigilant, know their neighbours and report any suspicious movement, person or activities to the leaders of the residents association, Street Reps and the Police.
The statement reads in part; “Good Evening Fellow residents,
“It’s no longer News that there was a High Powered Sting Operation in Phase 3 this afternoon, culminating in a complete shutdown of our estate. A combination of American Army and our DSS team were responsible.
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“We are unable to give full details of the reason(s) behind the operation, however, we can confirm that there was an allegation of terrorist activities.
“It is therefore desperately incumbent on every resident to remain vigilant, KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS and report any suspicious movement, person or activities to the Exco, Street Reps and/the Police.
“We will continue to do our utmost best to keep the estate safe for all of us. Everyone is responsible for security and there should no iota of abdication of this responsibility.
“Finally, let’s remain calm and continue to carry out our daily activities within the parameters of the Law.
“God bless and protect us all.
“Servant Chair
“On behalf of the EXCO,” the statement added.
The Quest Times reports that the U.S and U.K. embassies had on Sunday, October 23, 2022 issued warnings about potential terror attacks, especially in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
But what many don’t reckon according to sources is that the information was originally shared to the Americans by the Nigerian Secret Police. The US Embassy then issued a warning to its staff from where the information leaked to the press and the public.
Afterwards, the US Embassy put in place an evacuation plan.
A US travel advisory on the embassy’s website on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 stated that “On October 25, 2022, the Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
“The U.S. Embassy Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.”