- By Halimah Olamide
Tension is heightened as Nigerians fear intelligence that compels the US Government to seek evacuation of its citizens
The United States Government, has authorized the evacuation of its citizens from Nigeria over likely terrorist attacks.
The US State Department announced the approval of the evacuation in its updated Nigeria travel advisory on Tuesday.
“On October 25, 2022, the Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks,” the advisory read.
“The U.S. Embassy Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.”
Recall, that NPO Reports had reported that a security alert released on Sunday from the United States, indicates what it called elevated risks of attacks at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, especially aimed at government buildings, places of worship and schools, among other targets.
READ ALSO:
- Protests Rock Ikirun as Govt Names New Monarch
- Police Nabs Four Over Robbery in Ogun
- Another Nigerian-born Business Consultant Wins Councillorship Post in Canada
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information had however dismissed the security alert, stating that Nigerians are safer now, stating that the Nigerian Armed Forces were in control of security challenges in the country.
“Our country is safer today than at any time in recent times, thanks to the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.
“We do not discountenance the fact that terrorists, bandits and their kind would always want to do whatever it takes to disrupt our nation’s peace, security and stability. But our security forces have been proactive.”
Nigeria’s Department of State Services said the United States had previously issued similar warnings and urged citizens to remain alert.
The nation’s capital city came under heavy attack months ago following the Boko Haram raid on Kuje Prison and an attack on the Presidential Guards Brigade at Bwari in which three elite officers were killed.
Schools in Abuja were also shutdown over security concerns during the period.
However, in a statement on Monday, Adejobi disclosed that the Force would review the US and UK security advisories while strengthening security structures across the country for proactiveness.
He also noted that a review of the advisory was necessary, adding that the police, as the lead agency in internal security, would not take any threat intelligence, either actionable or not, for granted.
In a statement, he said, “The Nigeria Police Force hereby reassures Nigerians and all other residents and visitors in the country that it will effectively review the United States of America Embassy in Abuja’s security advisory which was issued, widely circulated, and published by the media on October 23, 2022, indicating an elevated risk of terror attacks in the country, particularly in the capital city of Abuja.”
Assuring the nation of the police plan to secure the nation, the Force Headquarters said more deployments will be made to enhance national security.
“As part of its security strategy, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered all 36 states Commissioners of Police, including that of the FCT, and the head of police tactical squads, to re-strategise the security management within their jurisdictions.
“He also has announced a counter-terrorism incident simulation exercise which will take place in the nation’s capital, tagged, “Operation Darkin Gaggawa.”