The Nigeria Immigration Service has raised alarm over plot by foreign terrorists to launch attacks in the capital city of Abuja during the festivities.
The warning was contained in an intelligence letter titled “Terrorists plan attacks in Abuja” addressed to its zonal, regional comptrollers and commanders, intimating them of plans by foreign and local terrorists to attack Abuja between the 17th and 31st of December 2021.
“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 31 December, 2021.” The letter said
The letter from the office of the Acting Comptroller General of the service, stated that a certain Algerian national named Drahmane Ould Ali aka Mohammed Ould Sidat and a Nigerien accomplice Zaheen Aminom are on their way to Nigeria from Mali to carry out terror attacks in Abuja.
The letter also revealed that the duo also have four Nigerian accomplices who are already embedded in the country.
“The planned attack is purportedly being led by one DRAHMANE. OULD ALL, 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.” It said
The Acting Comptroller General however, charged the zonal and regional comptrollers to beef up security across entry and exit points in the country to forestall the planned attacks.
Parts of Nigeria have been ravaged by terrorists activities blamed majorly on Boko Haram terror groups and its sister group, the Islamic state of West African Province (ISWAP). The duo have been blamed for various terror attacks in the country including the capital Abuja.
Recall that in August 2011, Boko Haram terrorists bombed the United Nations building in the capital Abuja, killing at least 18 people.