More busy businesses show signs of shutting down amidst fears of possible strikes by terrorists even in the face of assurances by the Federal Government
The Management of Jabi Lake Mall in the Utako area of Abuja has shut down its operations on Thursday.
The mall said this is because of the threats to security in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a post on its social media handles, the management revealed that although it wasn’t its intention to disrupt activities, but considered it neccessary for the safety of shoppers and all staff
They added that the management is reviewing the security situation with relevant authorities and that the mall would be reopened as soon as possible.
“To all our valued shoppers, Jabi Lake Mall will be closed today, Thursday, October 27, 2022. This decision has been taken in the overall interest of the safety of all staff and customers of the mall,” the statement read
“Centre Management is committed to minimising any disruptions; however, the safety of our staff and shoppers remains our highest priority.
“Management is constantly reviewing the security situation in consultation with relevant security authorities and will inform you when the mall will be re-opened.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to provide you with a quality shopping experience soon. Thank you.”
The Federal Government, had 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.
“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.”
The United States embassy yesterday approved the evacuation of its citizens from Nigeria owing to what it called “heightened insecurity.”