ONSA issues security alert, calls for continued vigilance

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has called for “continued vigilance and appropriate precautionary measures in relation to potential security concerns in certain locations.”

This was contained in a security advisory issued by the ONSA and shared with security agencies.

A copy of the document, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, states that the alert arose from the ongoing offensives, intelligence gathering and threat monitoring by security agencies in collaboration with local and international partners across the country.

The advisory dated 27th August referenced the killing of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including their commander, Abubakar Mainok, as part of the achievements recorded in recent months.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Mainok (also known as Abu Bilal al-Minuki) and his foot soldiers were killed in a joint operation involving Nigeria and United States forces.

The jihadists were killed in March when the joint troops invaded their enclave on an island in Borno State, North-east Nigeria.

“This advisory is issued against the backdrop of sustained operations by Nigerian security agencies across the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, which have recorded notable successes against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal groups,” the ONSA stated.

“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,” it continued.

Why the security advisory?

The ONSA said terror groups “may seek to carry out isolated acts aimed at creating fear or drawing attention to themselves.”

Despite the heavy losses inflicted on terror groups, this newspaper reports that they have continued to launch what experts described as guerrilla attacks on military bases, civilian settlements and major highways across the north. This is in addition to expansion campaigns by these groups.

The ONSA, therefore, advised the public to “maintain vigilance at all times and remain security-conscious in their immediate environment.”

It urged state and local government authorities to strengthen community vigilance, support preventive measures, and ensure timely information sharing with security agencies.

“Citizens are encouraged to remain alert to unusual or suspicious persons, objects, vehicles, and movements within their environment,” ONSA said in the security alert, adding these signs should be promptly reported through appropriate channels.

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Also, it advised members of the public to remain calm and warned against the spread of unverified information.

Noting that the government’s efforts to protect life and property remain a priority, the ONSA urged the public to cooperate with security agencies.

It also assured the international community of ensuring a safe and stable environment for citizens, foreign nationals, diplomatic missions, investors, and development partners.

“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,” it concluded.