Civil Defence fumes at leaked intelligence report on alleged planned ISWAP attack on FCT

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has fumed over the leakage of the Intelligence report of planned attack of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The FCT Command of the Paramilitary agency had in an intelligence report dated July 8, sent to the Permanent Secretary, FCT Administration, alerted of an impending attack of the territory by members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In the letter, titled “Renewed threat of attack by ISWAP”, Civil Defence wrote; “Certified intelligence reveals that members of the decimated terrorist group ISWAP have concluded plans to launch more coordinated and spontaneous attacks on selected targets within the federal Capital Territory (FCT) and had declared war against Christians in Nigeria.

“Intelligence abounds that ISWAP terrorist group has claimed responsibilities of the Tuesday July 5, 2022 attack on Kuje medium security custodial centre, releasing their adherent members.

“The foregoing is to enable them hibernate in targeted communities (FCT) and re-strategize for further terrorist activities, especially on soft targets to keep the agenda of the group alive to the public,” it read.

The report further added that: “taking into consideration the recent terrorist attack on Kuje medium security custodial centre good two hours without any security resistance indicated their readiness to carry out more coordinated attacks in selected cities/towns, security formations, schools, and worship centres in FCT, hence the released of their members for more formidable squad to achieved their dastardly act.”

In its recommendation, the NSCDC wrote: “against this backdrop, it is advised that counter measures be emplaced, and there is need to review existing security measures around such targets and other sensitive facilities with security formations, in FCT to frustrate the planned attack. This report is submitted for your information and necessary action.”

However, reacting to the leakage of the intelligence, Civil Defence Spokesperson, Shola Odumosu, expressed disappointment, warning that the person who leaked the letter from the Permanent Secretary’s office should be held responsible for the ripple effect it generated.

“Let me confirm to you that the intelligence report emanated from our FCT Command. It is not the first time we are sending such security report. Ordinarily, there should be no big deal about this. So, whatever anxiety and apprehension the intelligence is generating, the person that leaked out the letter from the office of the Permanent Secretary should be held responsible.

“Every security agency gives intelligence report to the concerned authority from time to time and this one from the NSCDC is not an exception. The leakage of letter is not good for the battle the government is fighting against the insurgence,” he frowned. (Sunday Sun)