Oct 1st : Security beef up in Abuja

In from Timothy Enietan-Matthews (Nation’s capital) …
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 55 independence anniversary tomorrow, October 1st, security has been beefed up in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
Checks by Ripples show that major roundabouts and roads in the city now have heavy presence of stern looking policemen, soldiers and members of other security agencies.
At the popular AYA roundabout leading to Nyanya, about three Hilux vans belonging to the Nigerian Army and the police were stationed with fully armed officers keeping vigil. The same goes for other areas like Berger Roundabout, Area 1, Garki.
A security source, who confided in Ripples, disclosed that the increased security in the FCT was routine and nothing extraordinary, adding that it should be expected as the nation celebrates.

Read also: Oct 1st: Civil Defence deploys 5, 000 dogs

“There is nothing extraordinary about the increased security. It is routine, especially as we prepare for independence day celebration. It is not that there is any security scare, but we are not prepared to take chances. It is better to be prepared for any eventuality and not be caught napping”, he said.
It will be recalled that Boko Haram insurgents have always seized major festivals and celebrations to unleash deadly attacks on soft targets in the country.
It will also be recalled that on October 1, 2010, a bomb had gone off close to Eagles Square, Abuja while former President Goodluck Jonathan and other dignitaries were attending that year’s Independence Day celebration.
In a related development, the leadership of the Nigerian Army has advised Abuja residents not to panic over the movement of heavy military equipment and simulated gun fire, explaining that they are part of the Independence Day celebrations.

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