The presidency has raised an alarm over an alleged planned terrorist attack in Abuja, this festive period.
The Presidency has therefore alerted the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to put its officers on red alert at various border posts across the country.
It informed the NIS that some terrorists from Mali planned to move through the Nigeria-Niger Republic border to launch an attack in the nation’s capital.
A letter dated December 23, 2021 and titled: “Terrorists Plan Attacks in Abuja” and signed by the Land Border Patrol Commander, Mr. Edirin Okoto, on behalf of the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Mr Idris Jere, was addressed to all sector commanders and border patrol corps all over the country.
They included those at the Seme, Idi Iroko, Jibia, Illela land borders, as well as immigration officers at the Murtala Mohammad International Airport, the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, amongst others.
“The Office of the Ag CGI is in receipt of a security report (urgent) from the Presidency (OSGF). The import is about a looming attack on Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, between 17th and 31st December, 2021.”
The memo said the planned attack is being led by one Drahmhane Ould Ali, aka Mohammed Ould Sidat, an Algerian national to be assisted by one Zahid Aminon, a Nigerien national.
“The report indicates the duo are enroute Nigeria from Mali through Gan and Niger Republic, riding a white Toyota Hilux van with Reg. No- AG157EKY. That these two had four Nigerian accomplices, who are already embedded in the country. It is further reported that Ali holds Algerian Diplomatic Passport with the name Najim Ould Ibrahim.
“Consequently, I am directed to request you to intensify alert levels, emplace necessary countermeasures at all our entry/exit points – Air, Land, Sea/Marine – including, but not limited to surveillance, rigorous search on persons and vehicles, transhumance, to effectuate the immediate arrest of these terrorists/countervail this and any terrorist attacks in Abuja,” it said.
