Nigerian security agencies on alert in Abuja over planned terrorist attack on Christmas holiday

Nigeria Immigration Service and all security agencies including the Nigerian Military have intensified security within Abuja following a warning from the Presidency over a planned attack by some terrorists during the Christmas holiday.

The information is contained in a letter dated December 23, 2021, and titled, ‘Terrorists Plan Attacks In Abuja’, the immigration authorities informed its officers that the information on the impending attack was from the Presidency.

The letter which was signed by the Land Border Patrol Commander, Edirin Okoto, on behalf of the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Idris Jere, stated that the terrorists were coming from Mali, one of whom possessed a diplomatic passport

The letter was addressed to all sector commanders and border patrol corps all over the country. They include 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.

It read, “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.”