To keep potential infiltration of terrorists at bay, communities, along Abuja’s borders with Niger State, are now on high alert following the recent surge in terrorism in the neighbouring state.

Most of the communities in the outskirts of Abuja, bordering Niger have resorted to self-help, with their ears to the ground for possible intelligence, and husbands turning to security guards of their homes.

While the Defence Media Operations (DMO) dismissed any threat with the assurance that the Guards Brigade and Operation Whirl Punch (OPWP) were on alert, the police said they were working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other security agencies to ward off any threat.

As the situation continues to unfold, residents are taking precautions to ensure safety. The development in Niger has raised apprehension about the potential spread of terrorism to the nation’s capital.

Last week, the Nigerian Army High Command confirmed the killing of 17 soldiers in a deadly attack by terrorists in Niger. Army spokesperson, Lt-Col Apollonia Anele, who confirmed the incident in a statement, noted that the planned deadly attack on communities by the terrorists was thwarted by the soldiers.

There were several other attacks on farmers and communities in Niger State, before the soldiers paid the ultimate price.

To avert the looming danger, a resident urged security agencies to win the trust of the citizens, so that residents could freely give them information.

She said: “Security agents should do more of community engagement to win trust, so as to get information from the locals. When called upon, especially the police, they should be swift and not blow a siren and be disturbing us.”

Reacting to the concerns, the spokesman of DMO, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, assured that FCT “is well fortified”. According to him, the Guards Brigade and Operation Whirl Punch are on alert. “There is a Battalion in Gwagwalada. They cannot enter.”

Speaking on the efforts of the police, the Commissioner of Police (CP), FCT, Adewale Ajao, noted that their Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) had infiltrated forests around the border communities.

He added: “As we speak, our men are in various forests around border communities with Civilian JTF members who know the terrain. Our anti-kidnapping operatives have dominated most of the forests in border communities, and our presence around that area has increased. I can assure you that we are vigilant.”