By Uche Usim
SECURITY at various seaports have been strengthened following a recent warning from the United States Consulate of a possible terror attack by the dreaded Boko Haram sect.
The intelligence report communicated to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) headquarters, has also been circulated to various commands of the service. A copy of the security advice from the Customs headquarters to its officers signed by Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Enforcement and Intelligence, Mr. Dan Ugo on behalf of the Comptroller General, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) read in part: “The officer of the National Security Adviser has forwarded an intelligent report with the picture of a suspected Boko Haram terrorist on the above subject matter (Suicide bomber at US embassy).
“The letter of information and the picture are hereby attached for your guidance. You are requested to give the picture and information wide circulation.
“You are also to remain vigilant, alert and arrest the suspect and his accomplices anywhere you locate them.”
At the NCS Ports and Multi-purpose Terminal Limited (PTML) command, the picture of the suspected terrorist was pasted in conspicuous spots, while same was circulated to all stakeholders within the facility.
When Daily Sun visited the command yesterday, the place wore a new look, as the Customs has banned clearing agents with no genuine business from the area.
Spokesman of the NCS, PTML Steve Okonmah said: “this security alert comes from time to time. The latest one also came with a picture of a suspected terrorist we were asked to watch out for. We circulated the pictures to all stakeholders including the agents because they may see the suspect first before us. So once they see him, they are to alert us or other security agencies.
We have also ensured agents do not use this environment as a meeting point for idle talks. Some resume here at 8am and close 5.30pm everyday with no meaningful business. We have stopped that, especially with this new security alert. If you have a business to do with us, we welcome you. But to come and idle away here, no way”, he said.
At the main entrance to the ports, more security personnel were sighted screening those coming into or exiting the seaports.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Army said yesterday that troops advancing toward Banki axis have arrested 43 more suspected Boko Haram terrorists, including its kingpin in the area, Bulama Modu.
The Army said in a statement issued by its acting spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, that the troops also rescued 241 women and children in the operation. It said arms and ammunitions, bows and arrows and a horse were recovered from the terrorists’ kingpin. The statement said one of the arrested terrorists led troops to where he buried his AK-47 rifle at Jangurori village.
Usman said in the statement that the recoveries in the latest operations confirmed the Army’s earlier claim that the terrorists were abandoning their commanders and burying weapons.