Terror alert: American soldiers, DSS raid Abuja estate, arrest suspects

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) Nigeria and some United States soldiers have conducted a raid at an estate in Abuja, following heightened threat of terror attack on the nation’s federal capital.

Nigeria has been on high security alert over recent travel advisories issued by the United States, United Kingdom and some other foreign countries of possible terrorist attack in Abuja.

On Tuesday, the team of DSS and U.S. soldiers stormed the Trademore Estate in Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as security operatives swooped on suspected terrorists.

In a notice on the estate’s WhatsApp platform, the management of the estate cautioned residents on the need to be security conscious.

“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/the Police.

READ: DSS urges calm, vigilance over United States alert of terrorist attack on Abuja

“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.

“Finally, let’s remain calm and continue to carry out our daily activities within the parameters of the Law. God bless and protect us all,” the notice read.

A resident, who spoke anonymously, told the media 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.”

The raid was confirmed by the Chairman of the Estate, Adewale Adenaike. “I can confirm to you that DSS personnel and foreign soldiers visited our estate. You can contact them to get the details of what happened. Let me, however, use this medium to urge residents to be calm and vigilant. The rumours of a planned attack on the estate are not true,” he reportedly told The Punch.