About 24 hours after the United States evacuated some of its citizens from Nigeria after a security alert issued on the Federal Capital Territory, the Department of State Services arrested two terror suspects in the nation’s capital.
According to The PUNCH, they were arrested after the DSS stormed the Trademore Estate in the Lugbe area of the FCT, Abuja, on Monday.
During the operation, security personnel were alleged to have closed the estate’s entrance and exit gates.
According to reports, the two suspects, who are claimed to be siblings, were apprehended on suspicion of terrorism.
This occurred less than 24 hours after the United States and the United Kingdom issued a warning about a probable terror assault in Abuja, specifically targeting government buildings, houses of worship, and schools.
As a result of this development, the United States government authorized the departure of non-essential staff and their families from Nigeria.
On Tuesday evening, the US State Department issued an updated Nigeria travel advice.
According to residents of Trademore Estate, it was gathered that the operation was carried out by the DSS and some foreign security operatives.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a resident disclosed that residents of the estate were practically held hostage during the operation.
He stated, “We were in our houses when our estate was locked up. They did not allow us to go out and they didn’t allow people to come in. Those that came for the operation were DSS and some American soldiers. What I heard was that they were looking for some suspected terrorists. When they finished what they were doing, all we saw was that they drove away with some people from the estate.”
In addition, a post on the estate’s Whatsapp platform spotted by a PUNCH correspondent on Wednesday exhorted residents to be vigilant and get to know their neighbours.
It partly read, “It’s no longer news that there was a high-powered sting operation in Phase 3 this afternoon, culminating in a complete shutdown of our estate. A combination of the American Army and our DSS team were responsible.
“We are unable to give full details of the reason(s) behind the operation; however, we can confirm that there was an allegation of terrorist activities. It is therefore desperately incumbent on every resident to remain vigilant, know your neighbours and report any suspicious movement, person or activities to the exco, street reps and/or the police.
‘’We will continue to do our utmost best to keep the estate safe for all of us. Everyone is responsible for security and there should be no iota of abdication of this responsibility.”
When contacted, the Chairman of the Estate, Adewale Adenaike, confirmed the security operation but declined further comment.
He said, “I can confirm to you that DSS personnel and foreign soldiers visited our estate. You can contact them to get the details of what happened. Let me, however, use this medium to urge residents to be calm and vigilant. The rumours of a planned attack on the estate are not true.”
