Boko Haram has made public threats to carry our large scale terrorist attacks in Kano during the upcoming Easter holidays. Although the threats do not specifically name churches or other places of worship, they do reference the Easter holiday and therefore a threat to any Easter holiday (Friday-Monday) gathering in Kano is an inferred target.
“Hot Spots” released the following statement today: “According to reports on 4 April 2012, Nigerian authorities have increased security in cities throughout northern Nigeria ahead of the Easter holiday weekend over concerns that extremists may attempt to carry out attacks during this period. Reports indicate that security is especially high in Kano, where the radical Islamist sect Boko Haram killed nearly 185 people in coordinated bombings and shooting attacks in January 2012. Additional foot patrols, searches and checkpoints have already been put in place. Boko Haram commonly carries out attacks in northern cities on Christian holidays. For example, on Christmas Day 2011, attacks took place at churches in Madala, which is located just outside Abuja; Jos, Plateau state; and Gadaka and Damaturu, Yobe state.”
The US Embassy in Abuja issued the following warden’s message, also today: “The Government of Nigeria has declared Friday, April 6 and Monday, April 9 public holidays. With the history of attacks throughout Nigeria during previous holiday weekends, nearly daily attacks in northern Nigeria, and the current media reporting of continued threats, including several that mention U.S. interests, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria urges all U.S. citizens living and traveling in Nigeria to take extra precautions for your personal security and safety.
The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens in the Federal Capital Territory and other large northern Nigerian cities to remain particularly vigilant around churches and other places of worship, locations where large crowds may gather, and areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers during the upcoming holiday weekend. The Nigerian Security Services have heightened security measures in Nigeria as a result of threats posed by extremist groups, and U.S. citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout the country during the holiday weekend.”
CCI concurs that there is a significant threat of Boko Haram terrorist activity against Christian targets, including any assemblies of worship, over this Easter period. The specific threat to Kano cannot be discounted; however, the threat is definitely not limited to Kano. The threat is significant anywhere Boko Haram has previously operated. We assess Jos to be at particular risk given recent and blatant Boko Haram attacks there.
As a faith-based organization, CCI is extremely reluctant to counsel avoiding worship services, particularly at Easter. However, worshippers should be aware of the risks and make personal decisions accordingly. Recommendations for mitigating the threat of attacks at worship assemblies include:
- Maintaining vigilant observation and awareness around places of worship assembly 24/7 during this period; paying close attention for an adversary conducting surveillance (vehicles parked for extended periods, vehicles circling or returning frequently to the location, individuals loitering for extended periods outside the facility, individuals coming to the facility with suspicious or nonsensical requests in order to observe interiors, staffing, etc.).
- Requesting local officials to station uniformed police or security personnel outside places of worship assembly during this period.
- Maintaining close communication with both like-minded agencies and with local officials (especially JTF officials if present) concerning trends, new information, etc.
- Consider banning parking of vehicles close-in to places of worship assembly and using staff and trusted parishioners’ vehicles to create an encircling barrier around the perimeter of worship locations (forming a temporary and “free” barrier to VBIEDs (car bombs).
- During worship assemblies, station observers outside the facility with air horns, whistles or other loud signals to warn worshippers inside of an imminent threat, so they can be directed away from windows and to the closest places of protection (even under/between pews).
- If threat information for a specific location warrants it, consider banning any carry-ons (purses, briefcases, backpacks, etc.) into worship assemblies and even searching those entering the location (if there is a credible threat).