Security agencies reinforce Abuja airport and correctional facilities after suspected insurgent plot

Security agencies have reinforced security around airports and custodial centres in Abuja and neighbouring Niger State following reports of a suspected insurgent plot targeting these facilities. The Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Correctional Service announced on Thursday that they proactively strengthened security measures. This comes as the Islamic State West Africa Province claimed responsibility for attacks on Nigerian security forces and neighbouring countries, releasing material in Arabic translated to English on Thursday, sighted on X. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Immigration Service Lagos State Command arrested 125 foreign nationals over alleged immigration-related offences on March 30, with 82 set for repatriation, and Ondo State Police arrested six persons over an alleged plot to bomb government facilities in Akure, with 10 other suspects apprehended across the state, bringing total arrests to 16. In FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike rebuked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a 'serial failure' during an infrastructure inspection in Kuje, rejecting Atiku's criticisms of the Tinubu administration. President Bola Tinubu stated he is not scared of those plotting to take power from him in 2027, speaking to Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Governor Hope Uzodinma at the Presidential Villa. A FCT High Court issued arrest warrants for former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Sadiya Umar Faruoq and former Permanent Secretary Bashir Nura Alkali for failing to appear in court for arraignment. Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State named Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor, citing the 'Muje Maha' spirit of his administration. Armed men reportedly abducted at least 14 passengers, many believed to be JAMB candidates, along the Makurdi-Otukpo road in Benue State on Wednesday evening as they travelled to Otukpo LGA for their examination. JAMB clarified that an alleged hijab discrimination incident at Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test Centre in Ibadan was not part of its official examination protocol, issuing the statement via Public Communication Adviser Fabian Benjamin in Abuja on Thursday.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/17/nigerian-newspapers-10-things-you-need-to-know-friday-morning-124/