The Governments of the United States and United Kingdom, have strongly warned about an imminent terrorist attack on the federal capital territory Abuja.
The warning was disclosed via the official website of the embassy, stating that there were elevated risks of the attacks, especially around government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, and others.
Abuja residents have been advised to avoid going out except out of necessity and to carry identification and charged phones while moving about in case of emergency.
The statement reads:
OCTOBER 23, 2022
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Abuja (October 23, 2022)
Location: Abuja Federal Capital Territory
(FCT), NigeriaEvent: There is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja.
Targets may include, but are not limited to, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations.
The U.S. Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice.
Actions to Take:Avoid all non-essential travel or movement.
Stay alert.
Avoid crowds.
Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency.
Carry proper identification.
In the same vein, the Government of the United Kingdom sent a similar warning via the British High Commission.
The statement read:
“On Monday October 24, British High Commission Abuja (BHC) will be open for Business Critical staff only. ALL colleagues wishing to travel to BHC should seek authorisation from Line Manager/ Block Leads, and in advance of travel.
“On Monday October 24, BHC Abuja UKB parents are advised strongly not to send children to schools.
“More detail will follow later today from DHC Gill Atkinson.”
This development comes a few days after the United Arab Emirates UAE placed a ban on visa entry for all Nigerian citizens till further notice, leaving many stranded in the country.
The federal government of Nigeria was, however, able to rescue 457 Nigerian nationals after sending an emergency evacuation plane.
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