The Federal Government on Wednesday dismissed the terror alert the United States authorities issued, stating categorically that Nigeria is safe and secure.
On Sunday, the US warned its citizens in Nigeria about possible terror attacks in parts of the country. The authorities in an alert posted on the US Embassy’s website said the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) stands at a high risk of attack, and that terrorists may target government buildings, places of worship, schools and markets.
As a follow-up, the US government announced the authorisation of the departure of its government employees and their families from Nigeria over potential terrorist attacks.
Reacting to the alert during a press conference at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said despite the attempts by terrorists to embarrass the government, security agencies have in the last few months taken firm control of the situation.
He said though the US government had the right to issue advisory to its citizens, Nigeria is relatively safe and secure.
He added that the Federal Government is working to keep the country safer, urging all citizens not to panic.
In his words, “Now, of course, this so-called travel advisory as far as we’re concerned, as a government we have in the last few months, taken a firm handle of security. What I said is that click-baiting, which is, you find a story which is not verified and you immediately share it, always causes panic.
“But I want to reassure both citizens, non-Nigerians, Nigerians living in this country, that security agencies are on top of this matter.
“Of course, the terrorists would not stop trying to embarrass or intimidate the government, but I’m saying that this country is safe and there’s no cause for alarm. “Unfortunately, because of that travel advisory on Sunday, many schools were closed, shops closed, and travel plans disrupted, and we don’t need it. The security — our soldiers, our police – are working round the clock to contain any terrorist attack. This is where we stand.”
