The United States Embassy yesterday issued a security alert on elevated risk of terror attacks in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. Following US Embassy terror warning, the British High Commission also issued advisory to its staff on movement while also announcing reduced services. Similarly, other European countries, THISDAY learnt, are reducing services and will be attending only to critical needs.
But in a swift reaction, the Department of State Services (DSS) called for calm, saying necessary precautions are being taken to secure the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of Nigeria.
According to a statement from the embassy in Abuja, targets of the terrorist attack may include government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organisations.
It explained, “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 organisations. The US Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice.”The embassy advised US citizens to avoid all non-essential travels or movements and crowded places. It advised Americans to review their personal security plans and keep their cell phones charged in case of emergency.The British High Commission in a short statement announced that: 1 “On Monday 24 October, 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.
2. On Monday 24 October, BHC Abuja UKB parents are advised strongly not to send children to schools.
3. More detail will follow later today from DHC Gill Atkinson”
Other European countries are taking the advisory serious and are taking all necessary precautions.Based on the threat analysis and increased risk levels, most schools in Abuja moved to err on the side of caution. In one of the mails sent to parents, the authorities of a school said their campus would be closed temporarily. Proffering online classes as an alternative, they noted that it was only appropriate they take additional precautions.
The latest alert followed an intelligence report in September about possible attacks on military facilities in Nigeria. One of the targets was the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia, which houses the country’s second largest ammunition dump, after Ikeja Cantonment.
The report had said the terrorists planned to mop up enough firepower to stage a takeover of Abuja.
Read the report below:
OCTOBER 23, 2022
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Abuja (October 23, 2022)
Location: Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria
Event: 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.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Abuja, Nigeria
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area
+234 (9) 461-4328 and after hours +234 (9) 461-4000 press zero
AbujaACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Lagos
2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island
+234 (1) 460-3400 during business hours and after-hours
LagosACS@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
