Nigerian govt to tighten security in airports, prisons

The Nigerian government has moved to tighten security amid a suspected insurgent plot targeting the airport and correctional facilities in Abuja and neighbouring Niger State.

Security agencies involved include the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Correctional Service.

The Washington Post had reported an internal memo from the Nigerian Customs Service, which disclosed plans by terrorists to attack the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory and the prison facility in Niger State.

It said the attacks are being planned by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province, Boko Haram, Ansaru and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal- Muslimeen.

The memo dated 13 April, 2026 and signed by Timi Bomodi, a Deputy Comptroller General in charge of the Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation unit, stated that the terrorists are also targeting a military detention facility in Wawa, Niger State.

The two-page document claimed the ISWAP fighters have already infiltrated the FCT in preparation for the attack on the airport and Kuje prison in a move to release detained insurgents.

The document noted that the planned airport attack bore similarities to Islamic State strikes on aviation facilities in Niamey and Tahoua in the Niger Republic, suggesting a possible intent to replicate the pattern inside Nigeria.