INSECURITY: Maintain Low Profile, Central Bank Security Department Writes Staff Over Threats

Following a letter from the Security Services Department to the workers, the Central Bank of Nigeria has released a security advisory with recommendations on how to protect themselves and their families.

The Director of Security Services Department, with reference number SSD/BSO/INT/UCD/01/072, wrote a letter with the subject ‘Security Advisory’ for CBN workers on April 28, 2021.

The internal memo was for all staff members of the bank.

The letter read, “We write to inform all staff to take note of the elevated security alert condition around the country and of the need to take special care in their day-to-day activities. Security intelligence reports have informed of plan by undesirable elements to infiltrate various parts of the country particularly state capitals and FCT with the intention to perpetrate crimes of abduction and kidnapping for ransom or as recruited for terrorism. 

“It is strongly suspected that these activities are likely to be carried out in the evenings and at night. It is in the light of the foregoing that all staff are advised to take note as follows: Exhibit extra caution while at home, en route work or other locations being more observant of activities suggestive of abnormal happenings as to avoid falling victim.

“Limit all social engagements to those that are absolutely necessary.

“Retire home immediately after office hours and taking special care to ensure that homes are sufficiently secured by way of reinforced doors ad locks.

“Avoid public drinking places and restaurants after hours.

“Maintain very low profile and remain as inconspicuous as possible.

“Branches to close on official schedule times to enable staff leave for their homes.

“Avoid travels (air or road) except absolutely necessary and contact heads of security at the location of travel for additional advisory.

“Keep contact numbers or relevant security agencies within reach for you and other family members.”

Similarly, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps was directed by the Ministry of Interior on Wednesday to work with other security agencies to deploy its operatives to airports across the country in response to looming security threats obtained via intelligence.

In a memo obtained by SaharaReporters dated April 15, the ministry gave this order to the NSCDC Comptroller-General, who was told to coordinate with other security agencies to combat the attacks.

The Office of the National Security Adviser provided information on security threats near airports across the country, which was shared with the ministry.

The letter, dated April 15, from the Ministry of Interior’s Joint Services department to the CG was titled “Re: Looming Threat of Attack on Nation’s Airports.”

P.O. Egbodo, the department’s director, signed it on behalf of the minister.

The memo reads, “I am directed to forward herewith a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser with Ref No. NSA/366/S dated April 6, 2021, on the above subject and to request you liaise and partner with all airports management nationwide and other stakeholders to upgrade the existing security measures around the nation’s airports in the interim to prevent such threats. Please accept the assurances of the warm regards of the minister.”

The Federal Government had first raised the alarm on April 12 about planned attacks on some of the country’s major airports.

In a memo to airport security chiefs, the Ministry of Aviation reported that criminals were preparing to attack gateways in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and Kano.