Jihadists' Abuja Attack Plot in Leaked Memo

TL;DR

NCS Memo Leak: A Nigerian Customs Service memo dated 13 April warns of Boko Haram and ISWAP plans for coordinated attacks on Abuja sites.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)
Targets Named: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Kuje prison near Abuja, and Wawa military prison in Niger state.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)
Security Response: Memo calls for enhanced security in Federal Capital Territory amid recent US embassy evacuation advisory and local curfew.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

The story at a glance

A leaked internal memo from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), seen by AFP, reports credible intelligence on planned attacks by Boko Haram and its rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) against key sites near Abuja. Targets include Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Kuje prison on Abuja's outskirts, plus Wawa military prison in neighboring Niger state. The story is reported now following the memo's leak dated 13 April 2026, amid rising jihadist violence and a recent US embassy advisory for staff to leave Nigeria. Kuje prison saw a major ISWAP jailbreak in 2022.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

Key points

Memo cites a "credible report" of "series of coordinated attacks" by Boko Haram and ISWAP, with ISWAP operatives already infiltrated into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)
Kuje area council imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in four villages earlier in April due to intelligence on a potential prison assault.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)
Wawa prison attack reportedly orchestrated by Boko Haram's Niger state cell, with Nigerian group Ansaru and Sahel-based JNIM.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)
Airport plot linked to recent large-scale attacks on aviation sites in Niger, including one on Niamey's airport claimed by Islamic State Sahel Province.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)
US embassy in Abuja advised non-emergency staff to depart earlier in April over deteriorating security; Nigerian officials say capital remains safe.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)
Nigeria's jihadist insurgency since 2009 has killed over 40,000 and displaced two million, per UN figures, with recent uptick in northeast attacks.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

Details and context

The NCS memo, dated 13 April 2026, urges an "enhanced level of security" across the FCT and environs based on the intelligence. Kuje prison, 45 km from Nigeria's presidential villa, was attacked by ISWAP in 2022, freeing hundreds of inmates including suspected jihadists.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

Boko Haram and ISWAP have stepped up assaults on military bases in Nigeria's northeast as their campaign for a caliphate continues. The memo notes collaborations like Boko Haram with Ansaru and JNIM, pointing to shifting alliances in regional jihadist networks.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

Nigerian information minister called the US embassy move a "precautionary measure based on internal protocols," insisting no imminent threat to Abuja.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

Key quotes

“Enhanced level of security within the Federal Capital Territory and its environs” – NCS memo, 13 April.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

“Credible report” that Boko Haram and ISWAP were planning a “series of coordinated attacks” – NCS memo.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

“Precautionary measure based on internal protocols” – Nigerian information minister on US embassy advisory.[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

Why it matters

Jihadist threats reaching Abuja, Nigeria's political heart, signal potential spread of insurgency beyond the northeast, straining national security. Travelers, residents, and businesses in the FCT face heightened risks from possible attacks on transport hubs and prisons, prompting international alerts like the US embassy's. Watch for official updates on security measures or any attacks, though government denies imminent danger and plots remain unconfirmed.

FAQ

Q: What targets does the leaked NCS memo identify?[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

A: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Kuje prison on Abuja outskirts, plus Wawa military prison in Niger state. The memo states ISWAP has infiltrated the FCT for these attacks. It links the airport plot to recent Niger aviation strikes.

Q: Which groups are involved in the reported plans?[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

A: Primarily Boko Haram and ISWAP, with the Wawa plot by Boko Haram's Niger cell alongside Ansaru and JNIM. ISWAP led the 2022 Kuje jailbreak. These are rivals but reportedly coordinating here.

Q: How did authorities respond before the memo leak?[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

A: Kuje area council set a dusk-to-dawn curfew in four villages on potential prison assault intelligence. US embassy told non-emergency staff to leave amid worsening security. Nigerian officials maintain Abuja is safe.

Q: What is the background of jihadist violence in Nigeria?[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)

A: Insurgency since 2009 by Boko Haram and ISWAP has killed over 40,000 and displaced two million, per UN data. Violence rose last year with more northeast base attacks. Groups seek a caliphate.

[[1]](https://www.theafricareport.com/415191/jihadists-plan-to-attack-nigerian-capital-leaked-memo/)