THE Federal Government has raised the alarm over possible attacks on national infrastructure, directing service chiefs and ministers to take preventive and protective steps.
In a confidential memo issued from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, and sent to top level state officials, the government warned that the probe of some agencies, national strikes and others were responsible for the alert.
The memo reads, �The recent socio-political activities around the country in pursuit of the democratic process such as cancellations of elections, threat of nationwide strikes by some trade unions and the ongoing probes of the activities of some Federal Government establishments by the National Assembly have remained subjects of discourse among members of the public.
�It is adjudged that the seeming resentment against the probes or the policies of government by some few actors, albeit its overwhelming public support, could make government structures and strategic installations particularly those under investigation to be vulnerable to acts of sabotage.
�In view of the foregoing, I am directed to advise on the need to step up securities around all critical infrastructure within your establishments, extra-ministerial departments and agencies inclusive.�
Following the confidential memo, there has been an increase in the deployment of plain-clothes security and intelligence officers in and around Abuja while men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have also been deployed into prominent institutions and buildings in Abuja.
Nigerian Tribune investigations also revealed that following the memo, ministers currently serving in President Umaru Yar’Adua�s government held security meetings with directors and top management staff of their ministries in order to beef up security in their various areas.
The crisis in the Niger Delta, which has continued unabated over the past two years with reports of killing, maiming, kidnappings and other violent acts, may have informed the latest move by the Federal Government.
Besides the abduction of expatriates and relations of public office holders, the crisis assumed a more serious dimension a few weeks ago when militants in the Niger Delta region threatened to extend their struggle to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The threat by the militants, impeccable sources disclosed to the Nigerian Tribune, might have rattled the Presidency, judging by the level of destruction in the region and the efforts of the military proving to be insufficient in checking it, a development said to be partly responsible for the memo.
It was also gathered that the current probe of former ministers as well as top officials in the aviation sector for alleged fraudulent acts by the National Assembly, though noble, may not have gone down well with many, especially those who are sympathetic to the cause of the suspects, raising the high possibility of some people engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peace and tranquility of the nation.
The nation had witnessed vandalism of pipelines and other installations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in recent times by militants, a development which may have made the Federal Government to take action to forestall further losses.