Shoprite Lagos state, under treat by Boko Haram

Shoprite, a South Africa's chain store operating in Nigeria, is under severe threat from suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

Police confirmed they are investigating the matter after text messages were sent to employees of the retail chain, threatening to blow up an outlet in Lagos.

Terrorists warned they had planted some explosives in fruit juice packs at one of the Shoprite outlets.

Part of a message obtained by CAJ News reads, “It is true, we do not deserve amnesty.  You will even be surprised how we got your number. We came to Shoprite on a mission to drop a bomb. That day, we sowed bullet into Five Alive packs. We are from Niger. Someone gave us your number from Abuja. We will make sure we destroy every Shoprite.”

The Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the threats.

Investigations have begun to ascertain the identity of the sender, she said. Shoprite has received similar threats in the past, warranting the closure of some shops.

However, the threats proved to be empty.

This is not the first time a South African firm is being targeted by terrorists in Nigeria.

Last year, MTN facilities in some northern parts of the country were destroyed by members of Boko Haram