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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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FG Summons S. African Envoy Over Rising Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

The Federal Government has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa in Abuja over renewed concerns about xenophobic attacks and protests targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, living in that country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the envoy is expected at its headquarters on Monday, May 4, 2026, for a high-level engagement aimed at addressing the growing tension and safeguarding bilateral relations between both countries.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigeria would formally express its “profound concern” over recent developments in South Africa, particularly reports of harassment, violence, and destruction of property belonging to foreign nationals.

According to the ministry, the meeting will focus on ongoing demonstrations by various groups in South Africa and documented cases of attacks on Nigerians and their businesses in parts of the country.

“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa,” the statement read.

It added that discussions would also address ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.

The ministry acknowledged growing anger among Nigerians over reports of xenophobic violence but urged restraint, stressing that diplomatic engagement remained the preferred channel for resolution.

It assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was actively engaging South African authorities to ensure the protection of its citizens abroad.

“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa. Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa,” the statement added.

The latest diplomatic move comes amid renewed reports of xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa, where foreign-owned businesses have occasionally been targeted during protests linked to unemployment and economic hardship.

South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence dating back to 2008, with subsequent flare-ups in 2015 and 2019, when mobs attacked migrants, looted shops, and displaced thousands of foreign nationals across several provinces.

In past incidents, Nigerians and other African nationals were among those affected, prompting strong diplomatic reactions from Abuja and calls for stronger protection of foreign communities.

While South African authorities have repeatedly condemned such attacks and deployed security forces to restore order during outbreaks of violence, concerns have persisted over recurring hostility in some communities.

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Mississippi Man ‘Kills Mother, Flushes Her Remains Down Toilet’

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2026

Editor

A 29-year-old Mississippi man, Zachary Lavel Jackson Jr., has been charged with multiple offences, including first-degree murder, over the death of his mother, Lana Brown Bradley, after deputies responded to her Natchez home on April 4 following a missing person report from relatives.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to Bradley’s residence after her oldest son was unable to reach her the previous day.

Jackson was initially identified as a family member before investigators confirmed he was her son.

Sheriff Travis Patten described the case as deeply disturbing.“This is by far the most heinous crime that I’ve ever witnessed in my entire life. We weren’t out there that day; this was one of those things when we walked up.

“This was one of those cases that you will never, ever forget in your life. This is the type of case that follows you home,” Patten told WJTV.

According to the sheriff, deputies noticed signs of a recent cleanup when they arrived at the home.

“As soon as they walked in the house, they could just see where somebody had been cleaning up, and they could smell chemicals all throughout the house.

“Floor was extremely slippery. And the older son said that this is just unusual for the youngest son to be cleaning up the house like that,” Patten explained.

Jackson, the youngest son, was found in a bathroom, where deputies allegedly made a discovery that became central to the investigation.

“I can say what was in the toilet, and it was her flesh. He chopped her up in pieces and dismembered her in a way that whoever came looking for her would have to do their due diligence to find her, and that’s just what we did,” the sheriff said.

Authorities said Jackson allegedly placed parts of his mother’s body in a suitcase and attempted to dispose of other remains.

Jackson faces charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, mayhem and tampering with evidence.

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Iran Says War With US May Resume As Trump Rejects Proposal

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2026

Editor

Iran’s military has warned that the war with the United States and Israel could resume, declaring that it is fully prepared for any renewed confrontation as tensions between the sides continue to deepen.

In a statement reported by Iranian state-affiliated media, senior military officials said a return to hostilities is “likely”, citing what they described as Washington’s lack of commitment to previous agreements and negotiations.

The warning comes after US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest peace proposal, saying the terms presented by Tehran included demands he “can’t agree to”.

According to officials in Tehran, Iran believes it showed flexibility during earlier negotiations, including talks held in Islamabad and during the ceasefire period. However, authorities argue that the United States has instead taken a tougher stance, widening the gap between both sides.

Iranian officials insist that key issues such as sanctions relief and the status of the Strait of Hormuz must be resolved before any broader agreement, including discussions around its nuclear programme, can progress. They also reject what they describe as US demands amounting to “surrender”.

The growing diplomatic deadlock has raised fears that another round of fighting may be imminent, with Iranian authorities indicating that preparations are already underway.

Meanwhile, the prolonged conflict continues to have far-reaching consequences within Iran. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reports that the country has entered its 64th day of near-total internet disruption, effectively isolating it from global online networks.

The shutdown, which began after renewed anti-government protests earlier in the year and intensified following the outbreak of the war, has significantly disrupted businesses and livelihoods across the country.

Beyond Iran, the conflict is also reshaping global dynamics. Rising oil prices linked to the war have placed pressure on international markets, while geopolitical tensions have strained alliances, including between the United States and European partners.

As both sides remain far apart on key issues, analysts warn that without a breakthrough in negotiations, the fragile pause in fighting could collapse, paving the way for renewed military escalation in the region.