The military and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have intensified security within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following a warning from the Presidency over a planned attack by some terrorists during the Christmas holiday.
According to a letter the immigration authorities sent to its officers, dated December 24 and titled, ‘Terrorists Plan Attacks In Abuja’, information on the impending attack was from the Presidency.
The letter 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.
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.”
