Insurgents plan attacks in Nigeria, says minister

Bloomberg

Nigeria’s government has evidence that Boko Haram extremists as well as armed bandits are planning to carry out attacks across the nation ahead of elections next month, Information Minister Lai Mohammed said.
“We have credible intelligence that armed bandits and Boko Haram insurgents have been mobilised to engage in massive attacks and other acts of violence in several states across the country,” Mohammed said. He said at least 10 of Nigeria’s 36 states were targeted.
The US warned that extremist militants are planning to disrupt next month’s elections with possible violent attacks.
Mercenaries from neighbouring Niger have been recruited to target top government officials “between now and the elections,” Mohammed said. He accused the opposition of orchestrating violence ahead of the vote, without naming any party.
President Muhammadu Buhari is seeking a second four-year term in polls scheduled for February 16 as the country is struggling to contain a decade-long militant campaign by Boko Haram in the northeast.
“It is very likely that Boko Haram will take advantage of the distraction that the election provides to mount an offensive,” said Cheta Nwanze, head of research at Lagos-based risk advisory SBM Intelligence.
The UN has advised staff in Nigeria to avoid crowded places and political gatherings.