In a move described as “preventive”, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deployed armed men within and around one of its major facilities located in Karu, a satellite town in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Apart from undertaking regular patrols, the para-military agency also stationed 4 operational vehicles at entry points, as the protests assume a violent dimension in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Attempts to capture the development in photos were frustrated, as one of the operatives made for our correspondent’s vehicle.
One of the operatives, who spoke in confidence, said: “Our men are conducting visible patrols within the Karu general area, as a preventive security measure.
Secondly, we are using the combat outing to send warning signals to hoodlums and other troublemakers waiting in the wings to violate the primary purpose of the protest, to steer clear of our facility in particular, and Karu in general.
“So far, there is no cause for alarm, as situation reports from our men indicate a peaceful and calm atmosphere”.
When asked why the road leading to the ever-busy Corner Shop was blocked, he answered: “It is for easy monitoring of movements, and other activities”.
Meanwhile, hunger-protesting citizens are said to have blocked the critical Abuja – Keffi expressway, as soldiers and other security operatives make efforts to prevent the situation from degenerating
