The United States has again re-echoed threat of a possible terror attack on Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, asking its citizens to immediately leave.
The US authorities in the latest travel advisory issued by the US Consulate in Nigeria, directed family members of its employees residing in Abuja to flee.
This is the latest of the several travel advisories issued by Western countries, raising alarm on a possible terror attack in Abuja.
Since US sounded the alarm on Sunday, the number of Western countries raising the concerns has since risen to at least nine, with UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Denmark, Bulgaria, Germany and even India joining the call.
Though the Federal Government through the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has since downplayed the alarm assuring Nigerians that the nation’s capital is safe, the US on Thursday again issued the second travel advisory, directing the departure of family members of U.S. government employees from Abuja.
The statement reads, “The Travel Advisory for Nigeria has been updated due to a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Abuja. We recommend U.S. citizens do not travel to Abuja at this time. In addition, on October 27, 2022, the Department ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks, following on the October 25 authorization of departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks,” read a notice on the US embassy website.
“U.S. citizens should consider departing Abuja using available commercial options. U.S. citizens who wish to depart but are unable to secure commercial options to do so can contact the U.S. Consulate in Lagos at LagosFM@state.gov for assistance.
“The U.S. Embassy Abuja is only able to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Abuja. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. U.S. Citizens in Nigeria who require assistance should contact LagosACS@state.gov or +234 1 460 3410.”
Also, the governments of Germany, Bulgaria, Ireland and Denmark have cautioned their citizens against non-essential travel to Abuja, citing a heightened risk of terror attacks.
Germany, in its travel advisory issued by the German Foreign Office, and dated October 27, urged its citizens to limit journeys within Abuja to the absolute minimum, avoid crowded and busy public places, and be extra vigilant and prudent.
On the other hand, Bulgaria, in its travel advisory on the website of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “We recommend that Bulgarian citizens residing short-term or long-term on the territory of Nigeria, and especially in the capital, limit only to urgent cases, refrain from visiting public events and avoid the clusters of people around government institutions, markets, shopping centres and entertainment complexes.”
Similary, Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on its website, said Nigeria is experiencing unrest in several parts of the country, and that there are currently reports of an increased risk of terrorist attacks, particularly in Abuja. It, therefore, urged its citizens to exercise caution, especially in and around Abuja.
The ministry also advised its nationals against all travel to the states of Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Abia, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross River.
In Ireland, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, in a travel alert posted on its website and dated October 24, 2022, urged its nationals in Abuja to review their personal security situation, stay alert, and avoid gatherings and all non-essential movement within the city.
It also advised against all travels to several states in Nigeria citing security concerns and flooding.
