DSS Arrests Suspected Terrorists, US Orders Employees Out

Two terrorism suspects were arrested Monday by Department of State Services agents who stormed the Trademore Estate in the Lugbe area of ​​the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Security officers reportedly closed the entrance and exit gates to the estate for the duration of the operation.

Our correspondent has learned that the two suspects who are believed to be siblings have been taken into custody on a terrorism allegation.

This came less than 24 hours after the US and UK warned of a possible terrorist attack in Abuja, particularly targeting government buildings, places of worship and schools, among others.

Following this development, the US government has authorized the departure of its non-essential employees and their families from Nigeria.

The US State Department announced this Tuesday evening in its updated Nigeria travel advisory.

Residents of Trademore Estate who spoke to The PUNCH on Wednesday claimed the operation was carried out by the DSS and some foreign security agents.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a resident revealed that residents of the estate were virtually held hostage during the operation.

He said, "We were in our homes when our property was closed. They didn't let us out and they didn't let people in. Those who came for the operation were the DSS and some American soldiers. What I heard was that they were looking for suspected terrorists. When they finished what they were doing, all we saw was that they left with people from the field."

In addition, a message on the domain's Whatsapp platform seen on Wednesday by one of our correspondents invited residents to be vigilant and to get to know their neighbors well.

It read in part: "It is no longer news that there was a high powered sting operation in Phase 3 this afternoon, resulting in a complete shutdown of our A combination of the US military and our DSS team was responsible.

“We are unable to provide full details of the reason(s) for the operation; however, we can confirm that there was an allegation of terrorist activity. It is therefore the desperate responsibility of every resident to remain vigilant, know their neighbors and report any suspicious movement, person or activity to the exco, street officers and/or the police.

''We will continue to do our best to keep the domain safe for all of us. Everyone is responsible for safety and there should be no waiver of that responsibility."

When contacted, Estate President Adewale Adenaike confirmed the security operation but declined to comment further.

He said, "I can confirm that DSS personnel and foreign soldiers have visited our estate. You can contact them to get the details of what happened. Allow me, however, to use this medium to urge residents to be calm and vigilant. Rumors of a planned attack on the estate are not true."

Calls to DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya went unanswered. He has yet to respond to a text message sent to him about it.

Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi told one of our correspondents: "All diplomatic corps in Nigeria are protected by the police, and the officers also protect the embassies. In fact, so far we have deployed armored personnel carriers to protect the US Embassy and others. Interestingly, the embassies are strategically located on the diplomatic route and well fortified." /p>

Meanwhile, the United States said in an advisory on Tuesday: "On October 25, 2022, the Department cleared the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in due to the increased risk of terrorist attacks.

"The U.S. Embassy in Abuja continues to have limited capacity to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos provides all routine services and of emergency to American citizens in Nigeria."

Despite security concerns, schools in Abuja have not been closed, Publicity Secretary of National Association of Private School Owners, Abuja City Council has confirmed , Paul Edoh.

It has been learned that some parents have called for the immediate closure of schools in Abuja until the situation is brought under control.

However, Edoh explained, "Schools have not been closed, except for schools in areas like Bwari; not all schools, but schools in the hinterland. But the federal government was able to see how to limit this and the employment of local vigilante groups also helped eradicate the situation.

''The private schools in this area are still...