A few hours after the United States Department of State granted authorised departure status to the Embassy of the United States, Abuja, residents of the Trademore Estate in Abuja were, on Tuesday night, thrown into confusion as security forces reportedly raided the premises following a tip-off on the presence of a terrorist.
The sting operation in the Phase 4 section of the estate had led to a complete shutdown of the area, as armed intelligence personnel and others suspected to be American special forces swooped on a building where a middle-aged man was picked up.
A resident confirmed the raid to the Daily Sun. He said the estate’s leadership dispatched a message to residents to keep them abreast of the latest developments.
He told the Daily Sun that security agents have warned residents not to divulge further information to the media, warning that there will be repercussions and possible arrest.
However, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed the rumoured sting operation as fake.
Its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, spoke on the command’s WhatsApp platform while reacting to questions from journalists.
However, the message to residents 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 was 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/the Police.
“We will continue to do our utmost best to keep the estate safe for all of us. Everyone is responsible for the security and there should no iota of abdication of this responsibility.
“Finally, let’s remain calm and continue to carry out our daily activities within the parameters of the Law. God bless and protect us all.”
According to a resident, the suspect who was picked up, has claimed innocence, alleging that he was set up by a governor in the North Central zone based on political differences.
“Yes, there was a raid. Boxes of grenades and other explosives were recovered. Two pistols were also allegedly recovered, from what we heard.
“Although, it was learnt that the suspect had plans to attack three churches in the area, I cannot immediately confirm that,” he stated.
The development at Trademore came a day after men dressed in Nigerian Navy woodland camouflage trousers and “Special Forces” shirt picked up one Shafiu, a native of Kogi State in the Lugbe area of Abuja.
Shafiu, a death row inmate at the Suleja Custodial Centre was, however, released in controversial circumstances just weeks to the 2019 general election.
He was picked up by a squad led by Lt. Charles just a few days after declaring support for one of the opposition parties.
Meanwhile, he US authorisation granted on October 25, according to the Embassy of the United States, Abuja, permits the voluntary departure of family members and certain employees due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.
“The U.S. Consulate in Lagos continues to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria,” the emergency information for American citizens read.
The United States Government further directed its nationals to have a personal emergency action plan that does not rely on government assistance and to take advantage of commercial transportation options if they wish to depart Nigeria.
“Monitor local media for breaking news on the security situation. Be aware of your surroundings.
“Keep a low profile,” the United States instructed its citizens.
