The Nigeria Immigration Service has warned of planned terror attacks on the Federal Capital Territory during the Christmas holiday period.
NIS released the information in a letter dated December 23, 2021, under the heading, ‘Terrorists Plan Attacks In Abuja’. NIS said the information on the planned attack came from the Presidency.
Edirin Okoto, the Land Border Patrol Commander, signed the letter on behalf of the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Idris Jere. The letter said the terrorists were coming from Mali, adding that one of them was in possession of a diplomatic passport
Those to whom the letter was addressed were all sector commanders and border patrol corps throughout the country. Among them are those located at the Seme, Idi Iroko, Jibia, Illela land borders, as well as immigration officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, amongst others.
The content of the letter says: “The Office of the Ag CGI is in receipt of a Security Report (URGENT) from the Presidency. The import is about a looming attack on Nigeria’s Capital City, Abuja, between 17th and 31st December 2021. The planned attack is purportedly being led by one Drahmane Ould Ali aka Mohammed Ould Sidat, an Algerian national to be assisted by one Zahid Aminon, a Nigerien national.
“The report indicates the duo is en route 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 an 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.”
Nigeria is currently witnessing its worst peace-time insecurity, with armed gangs attacking the citizens in various parts of the country. The bandits kidnap people for ransom on the highways, in the cities, and in the countryside.
