Following reliable intelligence indicating threats to national security in several areas—most notably the Niger Delta and Abuja (the Federal Capital Territory)—the Federal Government has reportedly placed all security forces on high alert.
A senior security official told our correspondent in Abuja during a Friday conference that this decision was driven by credible reports of planned coordinated attacks targeting key public infrastructure across the country. The intelligence suggests that these attacks were intended as a protest against the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, in response to a longstanding political crisis.
The directive, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is being rigorously enforced by multiple agencies including the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others. In response, all security agencies have mobilized the necessary personnel and resources at strategic locations nationwide to protect citizens as well as private and public property.
Security forces are also working around the clock to investigate last Wednesday’s explosion at Karu Bridge along the Keffi-Abuja Expressway, which resulted in several fatalities and significant property damage. This explosion occurred less than 24 hours after a similar incident in Rivers State, leading the government to suspect sabotage—particularly in light of warnings from certain groups that unrest would continue unless the state of emergency in Rivers State was lifted immediately.
In addition, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate deployment of extra personnel and resources to Rivers State. In a statement released to journalists in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi explained that this joint effort with the Armed Forces and other agencies is designed to bolster security, protect lives and property, and secure critical infrastructure. He emphasized that while aggrieved citizens have the right to seek legal redress through proper judicial channels, any attempt to exploit the situation through unlawful gatherings or disruptive activities will be met with the full force of the law.
Citizens have been urged to remain law-abiding, adhere to legal directives, and continue their daily routines without fear. Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has warned that it will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the nation’s security. Speaking to defence correspondents in Abuja, Major General Markus Kanye, Director of Defence Media Operations, reassured the public that field commanders are well-prepared to maintain order. He reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are fully committed to defending the nation’s democracy. Moreover, security at the nation’s borders—air, land, and waterways—has been tightened, and joint patrols by various security agencies are being conducted regularly.
