The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has issued a security alert urging Nigerians to remain vigilant amid intensified military operations against terrorist and criminal groups across the country.
The advisory, dated August 27 and circulated to security agencies, called for “continued vigilance and appropriate precautionary measures in relation to potential security concerns in certain locations.”
According to ONSA, the alert followed sustained offensive operations, intelligence gathering and threat monitoring by Nigerian security agencies in collaboration with local and international partners.
The agency said operations across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions had recorded notable successes against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal groups.
It cited the killing of several terrorist and bandit commanders, including ISWAP commander Abubakar Mainok, also known as Abu Bilal al-Minuki, among the recent successes recorded by security forces.
Mainok and other ISWAP fighters were killed in March during a joint operation involving Nigerian and United States forces against an ISWAP enclave on an island in Borno State, according to the advisory.
“These operations have led to the neutralisation of several terrorist and bandit commanders, including Abubakar Al-Mainok alias Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, as well as the disruption of camps, hideouts, and other criminal strongholds in various areas,” ONSA stated.
Despite the gains, the national security adviser warned that terrorist groups could attempt isolated attacks to create fear or attract public attention.
The agency therefore urged members of the public to remain alert to unusual or suspicious persons, objects, vehicles and movements and report them promptly through appropriate channels.
“Citizens are encouraged to remain alert to unusual or suspicious persons, objects, vehicles, and movements within their environment,” the advisory stated.
ONSA also called on state and local government authorities to strengthen community vigilance, support preventive measures and ensure timely information sharing with security agencies.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain calm and cautioned against spreading unverified information, while stressing the importance of public cooperation with security agencies.
It further assured citizens, foreign nationals, diplomatic missions, investors and development partners of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining a safe and stable environment.
“The government will also continue to work closely with the international community through sustained intelligence sharing, security cooperation, and coordinated preventive measures to address evolving threats and strengthen collective security,” ONSA said.
