The police has commenced a counter-terrorism simulation exercise code-named “Operation Darkin Gaggawa” following the United States’ warning of a possible terror attack.

The exercise came barely twenty-four hours that the U.S. Embassy raised the alarm of an elevated risk of terror attack in Nigeria’s capital city Abuja. 

In its security advisory, the embassy warned that government buildings, places of worship, markets, law enforcement offices, and densely populated spots are likely targets.

Stating that it would reduce its services until further notice, the embassy advised staff members to avoid non-essential travel, crowded gatherings and carry proper identification.

In a statement on Monday, police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said there was no cause for alarm, noting that all hands were on deck to nip the threats in the bud. 

Mr Adejobi explained that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, had ordered the police commissioners of the 36 states and the FCT command as well as heads of tactical squads to re-strategise security management within their jurisdictions.

“In furtherance of his zeal and strategies to decimate activities of non-state actors and other criminal elements in the FCT and other parts of the country, and to analyse and de-escalate threats gathered from various intelligence at the Force’s disposal, US advisory inclusive, the IG has announced the immediate commencement of a counter-terrorism incident simulation exercise codenamed ‘Operation Darkin Gaggawa,’ Mr Adejobi said in a statement.

The simulation exercise is expected to hold “within the Force Headquarters and the Police Officers Wives Association School, opposite the Force Headquarters, in Abuja, between Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26, October, 2022,” he added in the statement. 

Mr Adejobi said the exercise would involve the diversion of traffic, use of blank ammunition, and other operational manpower and assets.

“It is designed to improve interoperability and synergy between different Units and Formations of the Force in response to terrorist incidents and other violent crimes,” the police spokesperson further said. 

He added that the required support, logistics, and deployments necessary for safety would be provided to the commands. 

Meanwhile, the State Security Service (SSS) has said there is no cause for alarm over the U.S. terror alert, and has assured members of the public to remain calm. 

“The Service calls for calm as it works with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to maintain peace and order in and beyond Abuja,” Peter Afunanya, SSS spokesman, said in a statement.