Troops of the Guards Brigade have arrested a suspected spy and four alleged impostors in separate operations in the Federal Capital Territory, the Nigerian Army said on Sunday.
According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, the arrests were carried out on May 9 by troops of 176 Guards Battalion and Guards Brigade Garrison at different locations in the capital.
The report said troops on routine foot patrol around the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport intercepted a suspected spy allegedly loitering within a restricted area. Items recovered from the suspect included a wallet containing two ATM cards, receipts and passport photographs.
The army said the suspect was taken into custody for further investigation.
In a separate operation the same day, troops of the Guards Brigade Garrison arrested four suspected impostors at about 9 a.m. in Gwarinpa, along Dantata Estate in the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The suspects were reportedly dressed in military camouflage at the time of arrest. Items recovered from them included one ballistic helmet, one fragmentation jacket, a dagger, two motorcycles, four mobile phones and other items.
“The suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing,” the report said.
The Nigerian Army said the arrests were part of continuing efforts to tighten security around sensitive locations in the FCT and prevent infiltration by criminal elements.
The Guards Brigade is responsible for protecting the presidency, the Federal Capital Territory and other strategic national assets. Its operations around key facilities, including the Presidential Wing of the airport, are considered part of routine security measures aimed at detecting suspicious activity and preventing threats before they escalate.
Authorities did not immediately disclose the identities of the suspects or provide further details on their alleged mission. The army said investigations would determine the next steps, including whether the suspects would be transferred to other security agencies for prosecution.
The development comes amid heightened security vigilance in Abuja, where security agencies have repeatedly warned against impersonation, illegal possession of military uniforms and attempts by criminal groups to exploit restricted areas.
