Despite the assurance by the Federal Government that the Federal Capital Territory and the country as a whole was safe, the United States has asked family members of its employees resident in Abuja to leave.
The Inspector General of Police Alkali Usman Baba on Thursday night insisted that there was no imminent attack or security in the FCT in particular and the country as a whole.
But the US still went ahead to issue yet another travel advice morning of Friday asking its employees and their families to leave Abuja.
The US had issued a warning on Sunday and nine other foreign missions of the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Denmark, Bulgaria, India and Germany.
.On Thursday, one of the biggest malls in Abuja shut down indefinitely, citing safety concerns.
The US mission has said it was ready to evacuate its citizens from Nigeria over terror fear.
“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.”
They asked those willing to travel to Nigeria to carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed.; be cautious when walking or driving at night and keep a low profile.
The US further advised that those coming into Nigeria should review travel routes and times to vary your predictability, monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust plans, be aware of your surroundings as well as be on the alert in locations frequented by westerners.
