…No Security Threat In Abuja, Nigeria Replies US
The United States Mission in Nigeria has advised American citizens to avoid ‘unnecessary travel to Nigerian military and government facilities’ due to increased global security concerns.
In a statement released on Monday, June 23, the American Embassy prohibited its employees and their families from visiting military sites or other government venues in the Nigerian capital unless for official purposes.
This advisory came in the wake of unspecified global developments that have prompted heightened security measures and a reevaluation of movement around sensitive locations.
American citizens residing in or visiting Nigeria are urged to remain vigilant in public places, particularly in locations frequented by Westerners, expatriates, and government officials.
The embassy also advised avoiding large gatherings, maintaining unpredictable routines, and being familiar with emergency exits in buildings.
US nationals are encouraged to review their personal security plans and exercise increased caution during their stay in Nigeria.
The statement read in part, “Due to increased security concerns arising from current global developments, US Mission Nigeria informs US citizens that all US Embassy employees and their families are prohibited from non-official travel to a Nigerian military site or other government venue in Abuja at this time.
“Actions to take: Stay alert in public places, with particular attention to locations and venues where Westerners, expatriates, and government officials frequent.
“Avoid large gatherings and consider limiting unnecessary travel. Avoid predictable routines. Familiarise yourself with emergency exits when you enter buildings. Review your personal security plans.”
Despite the new restrictions, the Consular Sections of the US Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos remain open and operational.
No Security Threat In Abuja, Nigeria Replies US
The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that there is no security threat within its capital city Abuja.
The Nigerian Government stated this on Monday in response to an advisory by the United States’ Mission in Nigeria warning all Americans to stay away from all military and government facilities in Abuja.
In its response, the Nigerian Government maintained that Abuja remained safe for citizens and visitors alike.
In a statement, Nigeria’s Information Minister Mohammed Idris said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken note of the latest security advisory issued by the Embassy of the United States, restricting its staff and their families from non-official travel to military sites or other government facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
“While the Federal Government recognizes and respects the right of foreign missions, including the U.S. Embassy, to issue travel advisories to their citizens, it is important to state categorically that Abuja remains safe for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.
“Nigeria’s security agencies are working around the clock to ensure the continued safety and protection of all residents of the FCT and across the country. The current security architecture in Abuja has not only been proactive but has also recorded significant successes in detecting, preventing, and neutralizing threats.”
“We understand that the U.S. advisory is based on general global developments and does not reflect any imminent or specific threat within the FCT. However, we reiterate to all diplomatic missions, investors, development partners, and the general public that there is no cause for alarm.
“The Federal Government wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the safety of all residents and to maintaining Abuja’s reputation as one of the most secure capitals in the world. Our security and intelligence agencies are monitoring developments across the country and are fully prepared to respond decisively to any threat.
“We encourage citizens to conduct their lawful activities without fear, while also remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, the US State Department has issued a “worldwide caution” for Americans, saying the conflict in the Middle East could put those traveling or living abroad at an increased security risk.
“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad,” the State Department’s security alert said.
