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Eight Terrorism Signs Nigerians Should Be Aware Of

Published

4 years ago

December 31, 2021

It is important for all Nigerians and African countries hit by insecurity challenges to recognise that when terrorist attacks occur, it affects everyone. So, Nigerians, as well as citizens in terrorist-hit countries, need to work with law enforcement agencies by always informing and alerting them of any suspicious activities. All Nigerians and all Africans need to recognise the eight signs of terrorism. As an adage says, “prevention is better than cure.” If you see something, you say something!

I am going to educate my Nigerians and other Africans on the eight signs of terrorism. Before I do, it is very important to state categorically that the term terrorism has no generally-acceptable definition. It is equally important to know that military action alone is not enough to defeat terrorism, as some of the objectives of the terrorist groups are to create fear and disunity within and among the victims of their activities to achieve their objectives. It is vital that Nigerians participate actively and collectively in the fight against terrorism.

The eight signs of terrorism recognised by experts that Nigerians should be aware of are surveillance; elicitation; testing security; funding; acquiring supplies; impersonation; rehearsal, and deployment.

During surveillance, terrorists will try to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the targeted area, while gauging emergency response times. Sometimes they use vision-enhancing surveillance, acquiring floor plans or blueprints, showing interest in security, or obtaining information to access facilities. If you notice any of these activities, you should report them to your local authority.

Elicitation is the period when terrorists are trying to gather information about their targeted area. This information might be about operations and the security of their target. Examples include a power plant station, schools, shopping malls, a populated marketplace, and even a sports stadium. They can do this by phone, email, in person or even by gaining employment at the targeted location. If you have observed this, or think something is not right, you need to report it to your local authority immediately.

Terrorists examine security in a planned way at this stage – they try to see if their planned attacks would work properly. This is the testing security phase. They may use various methods. For instance, they may leave an unattended bag to see how security personnel will react to it. Often, terrorists intentionally perform break-ins in restricted areas to determine how security will react to it. If you think something is not right, report it to the local law enforcement agencies.

It is expensive to run terrorist operations, therefore, their operations involve raising and transferring money, and spending in a way that does not bring attention to them. Examples include large transactions and donations to unknown charities. Raising funding might involve human trafficking, drugs and kidnapping for ransom, and other related crimes. Recently, some have observed that corrupt politicians should be scrutinised. If you observe any signs related to this, you will need to report it to your local authority.

Terrorists need a lot of supplies to carry out their attacks. For instance, they need weapons, transportation, and communications. Vehicles in a strange area, someone buying a number of “burner” cell phones, bags filled with trash in an unusual place, fertilisers, and explosive chemicals in a garage or in a compound may imply signs of terrorism. You need to report these signs to your law enforcement agency as it might be a sign of terrorism funding.

If someone’s behaviour is suspicious because of what they say or do, this could be a red flag. Impersonating a law enforcement officer or an employee of a company might signify terrorist activity. Suspects may have on ill-fitting uniforms that may appear bigger or smaller than normal – this might be a sign of terrorism. If you feel that something is not right, you will need to report it to the appropriate authority.

Terrorists will often rehearse several times to make sure their operations run smoothly. They may monitor police radio transmissions and measure emergency response times. You need to report it to the appropriate authority.

During deployment, terrorists are constantly arranging their assets, getting into position, or in the means of attack. If you notice any related suspicious activities, you need to report it to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

In summary, all hands must be on deck in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities and Nigeria, the Sahel and Africa at large. But the military and citizens have roles to play in the fight against terrorism.

Ramon Oseni, a US service member, writes from Columbia, Maryland, USA.

Related Topics:#US Maryland Ramon Oseni Terrorism

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Australian Actor Julian McMahon Is Dead

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July 5, 2025

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Australian actor Julian McMahon, best known for his roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and Fantastic Four, has died at the age of 56.

McMahon passed away in Clearwater, Florida, on Wednesday following a private battle with cancer.

His death was confirmed in a statement released on Friday by his wife, Kelly.

The statement read,”With an open heart, I share with the world that Julian McMahon, my beloved husband, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer.

“His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.

“We wish all of those to whom Julian brought joy to continue to find joy in life.

“We are grateful for the memories.”

Born into a prominent political family, McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William McMahon.

In a nod to his family’s legacy, he portrayed an Australian prime minister in the Netflix drama ‘The Residence.’

McMahon’s career spanned decades, earning him international recognition for his roles as Dr. Christian Troy in ‘Nip/Tuck’, Cole Turner in ‘Charmed’, and Victor Von Doom in ‘Fantastic Four’.

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14 hours ago

July 5, 2025

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An eight-year-old boy has been rescued in Thailand after authorities discovered him living among dogs and only able to communicate by barking.

According to Dailymail on Friday, the boy, whose name has been withheld, was found on Monday during a welfare check at a ramshackle, drug-infested house in Lap Lae District, Uttaradit Province.

Local reports say the child had been living with his mother, 46, and his 23-year-old brother, both of whom tested positive for drug use after a police raid.

Neighbours revealed that the family had long been isolated from the community, and the boy had no contact with other children. Instead, he spent his days with the family’s six dogs, which he reportedly mimicked.

“He didn’t speak, he just barked. It was pitiful to see,” said Paveena Hongsakul, president of the activist foundation which worked with police on the rescue.

Authorities said the boy had only attended school once, despite his mother receiving government stipends of around 400 baht (£9) meant to support his education.

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… Threatens Sanction

US President Donald Trump said Friday he was “very unhappy” about his telephone call with Vladimir Putin on the war in Ukraine, saying the Russian leader just wanted to “keep killing people.”

“It’s a very tough situation. I told you I was very unhappy with my call with President Putin. He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people, it’s no good,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump also hinted that he may finally be ready to toughen sanctions against Russia, having held off for the past six months while he tried to persuade Putin to end the war.

“We talk about sanctions a lot,” Trump said. “He understands that it may be coming.”

Trump added that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, had a “very strategic call” on Friday, as concerns mounted in Kyiv over US military aid deliveries.

Zelensky said earlier that the two leaders had agreed to work to “strengthen” Ukraine’s air defenses, following Russia’s largest drone and missile barrage of the invasion so far.

Trump said he had also discussed sending Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine in a separate call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday, although he had not yet agreed to do so.

Merz “feels they have to be protected,” Trump said.
AFP