IBADAN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Department of State Services operatives have arrested two suspected terrorists at the Trademore Estate in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
This happened less than 24 hours after the United States and the United Kingdom warned of a possible terror attack in Abuja, especially targeted at government buildings, places of worship and schools, among others.
The security operatives were said to have shut the entrance and exit gates of the estate while the operation lasted.
It was gathered that the two suspects said to be siblings were taken into custody on an allegation of terrorism.
Following this development, the US government has authorised the departure of its non-essential employees and their families from Nigeria.
The US State Department announced this in its updated Nigeria travel advisory on Tuesday evening.
Residents of Trademore Estate who spoke to The Punch on Wednesday, claimed 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.”
Also, a message on the estate’s WhatsApp platform sighted on Wednesday urged residents to be vigilant and ensure they 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.”