Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Secretariat in Abuja has issued a travel advisory to its staff in the country to ‘be cautious and avoid engagements that will require them to be outdoors after work hours.’
The security alert contained in an internal memo distributed to staff of the organisation in its Abuja Head Office, was dated July 27 and titled, “Urgent Security advisory.”
“Intelligence reports warn of plans 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 memo said.
The circular may not be unconnected to a heighten level of insecurity around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the past one week which has seen terrorists invade communities in the satellite cities of the capital city, including military personnel and schools.
The situation culminated in the move by senators to issue a six-week ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari to resolve the worsening insecurity level across the country or face impeachment.
The threat also forced the President to summon an emergency National Security Council meeting in Abuja, Thursday, an immediate from the gathering being the major shake-up of the Army top brass across all formations and units, same day.