The Nigeria Immigration Service has Uncovered plot by terrorists to attack the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The NIS said it received intelligence from the Presidency that some terrorists from Mali, want to move through the border Nigeria shares with Niger Republic to launch an attack in Abuja.

The letter dated December 23, 2021, was titled, ‘Terrorists Plan Attacks In Abuja’ and signed by the Land Border Patrol Commander, Edirin Okoto, on behalf of the Acting Comptroller General Of Immigration Service, Idris Jere.

The letter was addressed to all sector commanders and border patrol corps all over the country, including those 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 Service has therefore put its officers at various border posts across the country on red alert to contain the plot.

The letter read, “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 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 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 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.”

Recall that the Department of State Services (DSS)  had in November 2021 alerted the Nigeria Customs Service over planned attacks by insurgents at border communities across the country.