CBN Warns Of Possible Attack In Worsening Nation’s Insecurity

Standing on an intelligence report, the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has warned its members of staff to take extra security measures to guarantee their safety as the nation is gripped by worsening insecurity that has put all in constant fear.

Although the federal government has constantly given assurance of tackling the issue, the increasing spate of banditry and kidnappings across the nation, however, shows the scourge is getting beyond the government’s control.

CBN’s warning is coming on the back of last week directive by the Ministry of Interior that the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps should work with other security agencies to deploy its operatives to airports nationwide over the looming security threats received through intelligence.

The Ministry in a memo to the NSCDC had cited an April 6 intelligence from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

In the same vein, the United States’ Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs also issued a security alert to its citizens in Nigeria, warning them against traveling to some states in the country.

The memo to Americans read, “Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime. Some areas have increased risk.

The consular advised them against travelling to Borno, Yobe, and the northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping, Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and maritime crime.

Similarly, the CBN on Wednesday in an internal memo with Ref No: SSD/BSO/INT/UCD/01/072, and titled: “Security Advisory”, said the security alert became necessary following a security intelligence of a possible attack by undesirable elements and infiltrate various parts of the country.

The Bank directed all staff to limit all travels and limit all social engagements to those that are absolutely necessary.

The Apex Bank’s warning is in connection with the increased general level of insecurity, with several killings and kidnappings occurring almost on a daily basis across the country. Schools are not left out, with students being killed and abducted for ransome.

The CBN letter also advised staff to exhibit extra caution while at home and in the workplace.

The letter read, “We write to inform all staff to take note of the elevated security alert condition around the country and of the need to take special care in their day-to-day activities.

Security intelligence reports have informed of plan by undesirable elements to infiltrate various parts of the country particularly state capitals and FCT with the intention to perpetrate crimes of abduction and kidnapping for ransom or as recruited for terrorism.

“It is strongly suspected that these activities are likely to be carried out in the evenings and at night. It is in the light of the foregoing that all staff are advised to take note. “It added. “Exhibit extra caution while at home, en route work or other locations being more observant of activities suggestive of abnormal happenings as to avoid falling victim.

“Limit all social engagements to those that are absolutely necessary. Retire home immediately after office hours and taking special care to ensure that homes are sufficiently secured by way of reinforced doors ad locks.

It also warned them to avoid public drinking places and restaurants after hours while urging them to also maintain a very low profile and remain as inconspicuous as possible.

The apex bank also asked its branches to close on official schedule times to enable staff to leave for their homes and must also avoid all travels (air or road) except absolutely necessary and contact heads of security at the location of travel for additional advisory.

Iy also advised them to keep contact numbers of relevant security agencies within reach for you and other family members.”