Following the recent discovery and subsequent legal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a chilling narrative has emerged regarding a dismantled espionage network. Iran had sleeper cells in Nigeria who have been actively spying on both the U.S. and Israeli embassies. These cells were carrying out information and surveillance gathering on both U.S. and Israeli interests in Lagos, including the U.S. Consular office. They were sending this data back to an individual identified as Abu Ali in Iran through encrypted software, preparing such locations for a terrorist attack.
The operation was led by Haruna Ali Abbas, who acted as the primary coordinator for the cell. Abbas, along with Ibrahim Hussein Musa and Adam Suleiman, was intercepted by the Department of State Services (DSS) following a period of intense clandestine activity.
According to testimonies from DSS Deputy Director James Simon, the defendants confessed to receiving specialized training at an Iranian military barracks. During their time in Iran, they were instructed in weapon handling and the collection of open source intelligence specifically targeting American and Israeli assets.
The cell's tradecraft was sophisticated, utilizing coded language and high level encryption software to exfiltrate tactical target packages to their handler, Abu Ali. These packages included detailed lists of American and Israeli concerns in Lagos and their precise locations mapped out for potential kinetic strikes. Beyond physical surveillance, the cell even monitored diplomatic cooperation, such as Israeli agricultural support to the Kwara State government, to identify every possible point of contact.
The downfall of Abbas began on March 16, 2013, when Abbas was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport while returning from Lebanon.
The subsequent investigation revealed a broader conspiracy to recruit young Nigerians for terrorism training abroad. Now facing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite, the defendants extrajudicial statements have exposed the depth of the plot, with the court adjourning until April 4 for further cross examination as the Nigerian government seeks to finalize the sentencing for these acts of preparatory terrorism.