Terror Attack: Where Will Nigerians Run To As U.S. Evacuates Embassy Staff, Families In Abuja
Pursuant to the security alert in Abuja by the United States Embassy in Nigeria, United States Government has granted departure status to its Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
A statement on Wednesday announced the approval of the U.S. Department of State.
The permission allows the voluntary departure of family members and certain employees due to the risk of attacks.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria had alerted of plans by terrorists to wreak havoc in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Embassy in Abuja says it has limited ability to provide emergency assistance to Americans in the country.
However, the Consulate in Lagos continues to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens.
The statement advised U.S citizens to have a personal emergency action plan that does not rely on government assistance.
“Take advantage of commercial transportation options, if you wish to depart Nigeria.
“Monitor local media for breaking news on the security situation; Be aware of your surroundings; keep a low profile”, the advisory added.
On the October 23, 2022, the United States Embassy did alert of an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja, the capital.
The U.S. Mission issued a terse statement on that Sunday.
It listed targets as government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, and bars.
Others are restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations.
“The U.S. Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice,” the release added.
It warned American nationals against all non-essential travel or movement.
After the security alert, the Nigerian government on October 24, 2022 increased the security level in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The FCT Administration advised residents to stay calm, ensuring that security agencies are working assiduously to sustain law and order.
A statement by Muhammad Sule, Director of Information said necessary arrangements have been made to safeguard lives and property.
The spokesperson announced that FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello presided over an emergency meeting on that Monday.
Bello charged the law enforcement community to do all within their powers to protect FCT residents from attacks.
The FCTA, however, dispelled the rumor that some schools have been closed.
Bello advised residents to cooperate with security agencies by volunteering credible and timely information.
The ministry urged residents and visitors to go about their legitimate activities.
“Security agencies have been fully mobilized to checkmate any form of intrusion into the FCT”, the statement added.
Also on Monday, the Nigeria Police announced a Counter Terrorism Incident Simulation Exercise codenamed “Operation Darkin Gaggawa”.
Drills will be held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents should expect the sounds of gunshots and explosives.
Moreover, the Department of State Services, DSS, did react to the security alert issued by the United States Embassy that there could be possible terrorist attack in Abuja that week.
Reacting, the DSS called for calm and urged Nigerians to be vigilant following the warnings.
It assured that it would work with other security agencies to maintain the peace and also appealed to Nigerians to assist security agencies with useful information regarding threats and suspicious criminal acts around them.
The statement reads, “The Department of State Services has received several enquiries relating to the security advisory issued by the US Embassy in Abuja, today, 23/10/22. The public may recall that the Service had variously issued similar warnings in the past.
”The Service calls for calm as it works with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to maintain peace and order in and beyond Abuja.”
