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There is presently untold hardship in Abuja after military checkpoints resurfaced at all entry points into the city centre of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the recent spate of bandits attacks.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports military checkpoints have been suspended in the FCT for over two years, but no reason has yet been offered for their return.
However, on Tuesday bandits attacked the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) and abducted four staff members and some children.
Similarly, at least two persons were reportedly kidnapped from Government Secondary School in the FCT on Tuesday as well, when over ten heavily armed gunmen stormed the school premises.
The attackers went away with the Vice Principal, Academics of the Junior Secondary School section, Malam Nuhu Mohammed.
The 52-year old school head was abducted alongside an 18-year old son of another staff member of the school, Master Clement Paul Egbeji.
The spate of attacks by bandits might have prompted the security measure that left thousands of civil servants, artisans and commuters stranded at major entry points into Abuja city centre.
Workers, who left their homes as early as 5 a.m for their respective working places were trapped inside their vehicles.
The chaotic situation forced several people to abandon their vehicles to trek several kilometers in order to meet up with appointments.
Meanwhile, there are security reports of a planned attack on the Nigerian capital by bandits and terrorists.
Security reports obtained by the military late Tuesday night indicated that attackers were planning to enter the FCT through the Abuja-Keffi expressway and other entry points.
Troops have been placed on high alert and are deployed to strategic locations where they are mounting security checkpoints to monitor, prevent and arrest any potential attackers.
The soldiers have mounted roadblocks at all entry and exit points into the FCT, and are conducting stop and search operations on specific vehicles and passengers.
The operation, which began midnight Tuesday, is said to have led to the arrest of some suspects who are now assisting the security operatives with useful information, Daily Sun has gathered.
Motorists, especially those who live along the Abuja-Keffi expressway in areas like Kugbo, Karu, Jokwoyi, Orozo, Karshi, Nyanya, Mararaba, One-man village, Masaka, among other satellite towns, are finding it difficult traversing the road as a result of roadblocks mounted by soldiers of the Guards Brigade, who are responsible for the security of the President, his immediate family, VIPs, as well as the FCT and its environs.
Some residents told Daily Sun that they left their homes as early as 6:30 am but are yet to arrive at their places of work.
A military source, who does not want to be identified on print, told Daily Sun that similar checkpoints have been mounted around Abaji, Zuba and Bwari areas to arrest suspects before they gain access into the capital city.
The source said that the invasion of the University of Abuja early Tuesday morning by bandits who abducted some staff members and their families, may not be unconnected to the security measures, with troops in hot pursuit to apprehend the kidnappers.
The source further stated that while authorities are aware of the effect on residents, motorists and other road users of the security points mounted by the soldiers, the security of the FCT and its residents was crucial, asking that the public bear with the temporary inconvenience.
When contacted, the Commander of the Guards Brigade confirmed the security measures at checkpoints by soldiers.