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A leaked Department of State Services (DSS) intelligence memo has raised the alarm over planned large-scale attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in parts of Adamawa and Borno states, warning that senior government officials, traditional rulers, pastors and residents could be targeted for abduction.

The classified memo, obtained by TheCable, indicated that the planned attacks are expected to hit communities in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State and Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to the document, the planned operations are linked to the reported collapse of a ceasefire agreement between the insurgents and the governments of the two states.

A DSS source confirmed the authenticity of the intelligence to TheCable.

The memo stated: “Intelligence has revealed plans by Boko Haram terrorists to carry out major operations around Michika LGA, and Askira Uba LGA in Adamawa and Borno States, respectively to register the collapse of ceasefire agreement with the state governments.

“The terrorists planned to abduct high government officials, councillors, district heads, pastors and locals residing in the LGAs.

“Furthermore, the terrorist elements are targeting to kidnap district head of Michika alongside his son, who stays in his residence.

“Already, the terrorists have deployed surveillance team in preparation for the planned attack.”

The intelligence report further warned that the insurgents had already positioned surveillance operatives in the affected communities as part of preparations for the planned assaults.

In response to the threat, the DSS urged military personnel and forest guards to tighten security across the affected local government areas and intensify surveillance to thwart the planned attacks before they are carried out.

The latest warning comes amid renewed security concerns in Nigeria’s North-East, where Boko Haram and rival insurgent groups have continued to launch deadly attacks despite sustained military operations against them.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of allowing key institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force, to become involved in partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed concern over reports that a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), allegedly linked to MC Oluomo, could be used by INEC for election logistics.

The party also criticised the reported attendance of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, at the launch of the pro-Tinubu City Boy Movement.

Abdullahi said the developments showed a “dangerous collapse of the boundary between the Nigerian state and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).”

He added, “There are no longer any discernible boundaries between the Nigerian state and the ruling APC. Political actors are openly infiltrating state institutions, while heads of security units who should statutorily maintain neutrality are shamelessly turning into political cheerleaders of the ruling party and the President.”

The ADC said that if reports about the NURTW’s involvement in election logistics were true, they could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

The party stated, “INEC’s credibility depends not only on conducting free and fair elections but also on inspiring confidence among all political stakeholders.”

The opposition party also linked its concerns to President Bola Tinubu’s reported comment that “all is fair in war”, saying the remark had heightened public anxiety about the 2027 elections.

On the police, the ADC argued that senior officers must remain politically neutral, saying, “The Nigeria Police Force belongs to the Nigerian people, not to any political party.”

The party called on INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to explain any relationship between the commission and the NURTW faction allegedly linked to MC Oluomo. It also asked the Inspector-General of Police to clarify whether the Lagos Commissioner of Police attended the City Boy Movement event with official approval.

The ADC said that if the officer attended without authorisation, disciplinary action should be taken.

However, if the appearance was officially approved, it demanded that senior police officers be allowed to attend opposition political events under the same conditions.

The party also announced plans to invite the Inspector-General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police to its next political event in Abuja, saying, “In the interest of fairness and equity, we fervently expect them to attend.”

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The Nigerian Auctioneers Association, NAA, has alleged impersonation of the organisation amid the ongoing auctioning of some forfeited assets by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC.

The organisation, in a statement on Thursday, said one Benjamin Abhulimen Isibor is not representing them in any capacity.

Alhaji Musa Kurra, President of the NAA said Isibor allegedly presenting himself as the organisation’s President was an act of impersonation, adding that no authority to speak on behalf of the association.

According to the NAA, Kurra remains the duly elected President of the association having emerged victorious at the National Delegates Conference held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 28, 2023.

The NAA stated that Kurra’s election was subsequently recognised by the court, adding that any individual claiming to hold the office of the association’s president was doing so unlawfully.

It noted that proceedings are currently ongoing at the National Industrial Court in Bauchi against Isibor over the alleged impersonation of the office of the association’s president.

The association also reaffirmed its support for the EFCC’s electronic auction system, commending the anti-graft agency under the leadership of its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for adopting a transparent and digitised process for the disposal of forfeited assets.

According to the NAA, the e-auction platform has helped eliminate sharp practices, broaden public participation, and promote accountability in asset disposal.

The body noted that its members have actively participated in EFCC auctions nationwide and that concerns raised during the early stages of the process were resolved through collaboration between the association and the commission.

It stressed that the views expressed by Isibor do not represent the official position of the Nigerian Auctioneers Association.

The association advised government agencies, financial institutions, prospective bidders, and the general public to disregard any statement issued by the alleged impostor.

It maintained that only auctioneers duly licensed and certified by the NAA are authorised to conduct public auctions in Nigeria.

The NAA also disclosed that it has reported the alleged impersonation to the appropriate security and regulatory authorities for further investigation and urged the media to verify the identities of individuals claiming to speak on behalf of the association through its National Secretariat.

On the EFCC auction process, the association said it has helped “eliminate sharp practices, broaden participation, and ensure value for money in the disposal of forfeited assets.”

The statement added: “NAA acknowledges and commends the EFCC leadership under Barr. Kayode Olukoyede for its consistent efforts in conducting public auctions in a transparent, accountable, and digitised manner through the e-auction platform.

“Where certain operational challenges were observed in the initial phases, NAA, in collaboration with the EFCC, engaged constructively and proffered professional recommendations. We are pleased to note that the necessary remedies have since been implemented by the Commission to strengthen the process.”