23rd December, 2021
The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has revealed that one DRAHMANE. OULD ALI, aka Mohammed Ould Sidat, is planning to lead attacks on Nigeria’s Capital City, Abuja.
The NIS confirmed the development in a letter dated December 23, 2021, and titled, ‘Terrorists Plan Attacks In Abuja.’
The letter was signed by the Land Border Patrol Commander, Edirin Okoto, on behalf of the Acting Comptroller General Of Immigration Service, Idris Jere.
According to the letter, the attacks were scheduled by the terrorists to take place between 17th and 31st December 2021.
It was also revealed that the terrorist, Sidat, an Algerian national is to be assisted by one Zahid Aminon, a Nigerien national.
The NIS, however, told its officers at various border posts across the country to be at alert.
The letter from 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 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 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.”
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 Mohammad International Airport, the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, amongst others.
Similarly, the Department of State Services had in November put the Nigeria Customs Service on red alert over planned attacks by insurgents on Ogun border communities and other border communities across the country.
The letter from the DSS said: “Available intelligence indicates plans by insurgents and criminal elements to carry out simultaneous attacks on military posts and bases in various border communities across the nation anytime from now.
“In view of the foregoing and the likelihood, such attacks not limited to the military personnel only, all law enforcement and security agencies with operational bases at border communities are advised to take note of the above threat and emplace countermeasures with emphasis on personal security of operatives to frustrate the planned attack, please.”