From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, has warned its staff of security threats within Abuja and its environs.
It issued the warning in separate circulars dated July 27, 2022 and July 28, 2022.
“This Immediate Security Advisory (ISA) is sent to ALL ECOWAS Staff to adhere with the current state of insecurity sweeping across the country lately.
“Intelligence reports warned of plan by undesirable elements to infiltrate various parts of the country, particularly state capitals, including the Federal Capital Territory, with the view to perpetrate crimes such as abductions and kidnappings for ransom, or as means of getting recruits for terrorist activities,” the ECOWAS Commission warned in the July 27 circular.
The Commission particularly said targeted locations were sensitive spots in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and environs.
On protective measures in effect against potential threat to ECOWAS staff and premises, the ECOWAS Commission said: “Please, be advised that intelligence gathered so far related to effect against potential threats nationwide by the unknown perpetrators to cause security breaches.
“No site or precise location. Itinerary is not known yet.”
On security advisory, the commission, among others, directed its staff to maintain environmental awareness on their route to, and from work; watch out for anything abnormal around their surroundings, avoid and report same immediately.
“Limit social engagements as much as possible.
“Avoid going out at night, staff members should be mindful and reminded on the reporting and closing hours according to staff regulations.
“Avoid public drinking places and restaurants especially after close of work.
“Keep to the main road. Avoid using deserted/lonely routes and dark alleys.
“Be extra careful when using a rented vehicle.
“Take appropriate security measures when approaching a check point, be prepared to take ambush/counter surveillance measures always.
“Be vigilant at places of worship, markets, motor parks, filling station and shopping malls,” the ECOWAS Commission also warned.
In the July 28, circular titled ‘Caution Recommended About Several Security-Related Rumours Throughout Social Media,’ the commission said: “As a follow-up of the immediate security advisory circulated on 27, July, 2022, staff members’ attention is drawn on the fact that social media is highly used these period to convey unfounded and fake security related information and incidents, with the view to spread unjustified panic and fear among populations of the Federal Capital Territory.
“We call on staff members not to spread or share unverified information or rumours. You may contact the security unit to assist in cross checking or vetting such information with the appropriate security authorities (ASA).
“This security information from reliable official sources will be, from now on, shared with all staff members through regular short and precise security updates to be distributed through a circular.
“Currently, the security situation of the FCT and environs is under the effective control of national security forces. All staff members are advised to comply with the security advisory as indicated in the released ECOWAS circular of 27th July, 2022.
“Staff members should always respect the reporting and closing hours at their various work place.”
The warning is coming after the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom issued similar security alert to its nationals, following the recent invasion of the Nigerian Correctional Service Medial Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja by terrorists.