Terrorists from Algeria, Mali planning attacks on Nigeria

By Kunle Adeolu

Armed terrorists from Algeria, Mali and Niger are planning to launch coordinated attacks on Nigeria, the Federal Government has said.

In a statement made available to Irohinoodua, The Nigeria Immigration Service said the terrorists are infiltrating the Nigerian borders to cause havoc. A similar warning was issued last year December by the Nigerian Immigration Service on plots to attack Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The NIS said it has been briefed by the Presidency terrorists from West African neighbour, Mali, plan to cross the Nigeria-Niger Republic border to launch an attack in Abuja.

The Immigration Service issued the statement on December 23 with the heading  ‘Terrorists Plan Attacks In Abuja.’ It was signed by the Land Border Patrol Commander, Edirin Okoto, on behalf of the Acting Comptroller General Of Immigration Service, Idris Jere.

The signal was sent to all Immigration sector commanders and border patrol corps. The recipients were Seme, Idi Iroko, Jibia, Illela land borders and those at Murtala Mohammad International Airport, the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, amongst others.

The warning stated “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 Islamic State of West Africa, (ISWAP) currently operate in Niger State where it has built tents around the Kainji Dam and Shirroro Dam. Security experts say the occupation of the banks of River Niger by the Boko Haram and ISWAP would provide easy access to arms and other logistics through the River Niger which major source is from Southern Guinea through Niger and Mali.