By Vincent Egunyanga, Abuja
Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has imposed a 6 pm to 6 am curfew in parts of the town following intelligence indicating a possible attack on the Medium Security Custodial Centre by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
The precautionary measure was announced after an emergency security meeting convened by the council’s leadership, amid concerns that the correctional facility could again become a target of coordinated assault.
A security advisory circulated within the community asked residents to comply with the restriction, noting that it was necessary to prevent security breaches and protect lives.
Communities affected by the curfew include the axis stretching from Wowo Garage to Chibiri village, passing in front of the Custodial Centre, as well as Shadadi, Shetuko and Kango villages.
Residents were asked to return home before the restriction period began to avoid any interactions with security officers enforcing compliance.
Confirming the development, a senior police officer said intelligence reports suggested renewed threats against the facility.
“The bad guys are planning to storm the Correctional Centre again. We are taking preventive steps to ensure that does not happen,” the officer said.
Security presence has been heightened across the area, with joint patrol teams comprising police and military personnel seen moving through strategic locations, blaring sirens and conducting surveillance operations.
The latest alert has revived memories of the July 5, 2022, attack on the Kuje custodial facility, when armed militants used explosives to breach the prison, resulting in the escape of hundreds of inmates, including terrorism suspects.
Security analysts say detention facilities remain attractive targets for insurgent groups seeking to free detained members and demonstrate operational capacity.
Authorities have not released full details of the intelligence report but insist the curfew is a proactive measure aimed at preventing panic and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Residents expressed concern over the development, noting that the previous attack exposed vulnerabilities around the facility and underscored the need for sustained vigilance.
The curfew is expected to remain in force pending further security review by relevant agencies.
