Nigerian security says it foiled attacks on British, U.S. embassies in Abuja

Nigerian state security agency says it foiled a planned Boko Haram attacks on United States and British embassies in the capital Abuja.

The Department of State Services (DSS) said in a statement on Wednesday a Boko Haram suspect arrested in Yobe state on March 22 gave details of the plot and led to the arrest of five others in Benue state.

“The group had perfected plans to attack the UK and American embassies and other western interests in Abuja,” they said.

The DSS said the arrested suspects are linked to ISIS.

The British High Commission reacted to the arrest in a statement saying they “are in in regular contact with the Nigerian security authorities concerning potential threats to UK interests in Nigeria.”

Boko Haram has killed about 15,000 people and forced more than 2 million to flee their homes.

The Islamist militant group is headquartered across the border in northeastern Nigeria and seeks to carve out an emirate and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law.