Tension heightens in Abuja as FG detains 35 suspected ISWAP fighters
Residents in Abuja have not been able to sleep with their two eyes closed or even move around freely as tension has continued to increase over an impending terrorist attack.
A security advisory issued by the United States earlier in the week has seen many foreigners leave Abuja while others live in fear.
The advisory had warned of a planned attack by terrorist groups on markets, worship centers, schools and government establishments.
In addition, the United States Mission and the British High Commission suspended consular services.
However, a joint operation launched by the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the police and other security agencies has successfully dismantled a terror cell and arrested five Islamic State West Africa Province commanders and 30 fighters.
The PUNCH gathered that the terror suspects were apprehended at their hideouts in different locations in Abuja, Mararaba and other satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory. Our correspondent learnt that the suspects were being held at a DSS facility.
The arrests were made amid heightened tension in the nation’s capital as the popular Jabi Lake Mall shut its doors to shoppers and visitors on Thursday, citing the security situation.
To discourage criminal activities, the FCT Administration demolished shanties on Law School land, saying it was part of security measures.
The counter-intelligence operations which netted the suspected militants continued on Thursday with more arrests. It was said to have the backing of the US security and intelligence agencies.
It was further learnt that the intelligence agencies had been on the trail of the insurgents before the US and the British High Commission issued security alerts last Sunday, warning their citizens about impending terrorist attacks.
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