The headquarters of the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja has been thrown into an unprecedented security lockdown as heavily armed operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force took over the premises ahead of a high-level meeting involving officials of world football governing body, FIFA.
The massive security presence, which came ahead of the stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for later today, created an atmosphere of tension and secrecy at the Football House, with journalists and several stakeholders subjected to rigorous screening or outright denial of access to the premises.
The security operatives, who arrived in several official vehicles and strategically positioned themselves at various points around the NFF secretariat, were seen carrying guns as they monitored movements in and around the complex.
Visitors attempting to enter the Football House were stopped at the gate and subjected to checks, while only a few persons were allowed through.
Security personnel told those seeking access that a high-level management meeting was underway inside the secretariat and that they had received directives “from above” not to allow journalists into the complex or permit them to operate within the premises.
The development effectively turned the normally accessible NFF headquarters into a heavily guarded facility, with journalists unable to move freely around the secretariat or obtain information on the issues expected to dominate the FIFA-backed stakeholders’ meeting.
The security lockdown came against the backdrop of heightened expectations surrounding the meeting, which is expected to bring together FIFA representatives and key Nigerian football stakeholders to deliberate on developments within the country’s football administration.
The heavy deployment also fuelled speculation among stakeholders and observers over the reason for the unusual security arrangement at the Football House, particularly with FIFA officials already in the country for the engagement.
Earlier, an official vehicle suspected to have originated from the State House, judging by its registration number, arrived at the NFF secretariat and delivered files containing documents shortly before the commencement of the management meeting.
The contents of the files could not be immediately ascertained, while NFF officials declined to provide details on the purpose of the documents.
The unusual security operation came as the FIFA delegation arrived in Nigeria on Sunday night ahead of the crucial stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
The FIFA officials were reportedly received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by a combined team of security operatives.
Their arrival has heightened attention on the meeting, coming at a critical period for Nigerian football administration and amid growing concerns among stakeholders over the direction of the NFF.
The atmosphere around the Football House had changed dramatically, with armed DSS and police personnel taking strategic positions around the premises and controlling access to the building.
The presence of the security operatives was particularly conspicuous, as they continuously monitored people entering and leaving the complex.
Attempts by journalists to gain access were repeatedly resisted, with security personnel insisting that no media activity would be permitted inside the secretariat.
As the FIFA delegation prepares to meet Nigerian football stakeholders, questions are now being raised over the extraordinary security measures surrounding an engagement expected to focus on the future of the country’s football administration.
The meeting is expected to attract intense interest from football stakeholders, particularly against the background of recent developments within the NFF and preparations for the federation’s forthcoming elective congress.
The circumstances surrounding the security lockdown, however, remained unclear as of press time, while the NFF had not publicly explained why such a large number of armed security personnel were deployed to its headquarters.
The Football House remained under tight security as the FIFA delegation and other stakeholders prepared for the scheduled engagement.
COURTESY: thepointng.com
