The Presidency has raised an alarm of a possible attack by terrorists in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) this December.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) made this known in letters addressed to security agencies in the country.
Consequently, the Federal Government has directed all security agencies in the country to beef up security arrangements this Christmas and New Year Holiday Season, with special emphasis on Abuja.
Following the directive, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has charged sector commanders to immediately deploy proactive measures against the identified potential threat, not just to prevent it, but to also arrest and prosecute the culprits.
According to a statement by the NIS, following the directive, the planned attack is expected to happen between 17 and 31 December, 2021.
The purported Abuja attack is said to be masterminded by one Drahmane Ould Ali, who also goes by the name, Mohammed Ould Sidat.
He is said to possess multiple passports, one of which is an Algerian diplomatic passport with the name; Najim Ould Ibrahim. He is suspected to be in the company of a Nigerian accomplice, one Zahid Aminon, who might also have a pseudonym.
The intelligence gathered also suggested that the terrorists are already in the West African sub region. They are suspected to be around the Mali-GAO-Niger Republic ambience. They are said to have collaborators on ground in Nigeria for the attacks planned for between 17th and 31st of December. They are said to have access to funds, logistics like vehicles and other supplies.
It was gathered that the prime actors of the Abuja terror plot are be likely to migrate into the country through land borders.
All Sector Commanders of Immigrations are therefore urged to intensify alert levels and response timing within their jurisdictions. It said all entry and exit points, including at Air, Land and Sea borders must be effectively and efficiently guarded at these times, as a measure to nip the terrorist’s plan in the bud.
The statement NIS reads: “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 17 and 31 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 Algerian Diplomatic Passport with the name Najim Ould Ibrahim.
“Consequently, I am directed to request you to intensify alert levels, emplace necessary counter measures 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”.
