The National Security Adviser, Gen. Babagana Monguno, has described as unnecessary apprehensions caused among Nigerians by the security alert raised by the United States Mission in Nigeria and the British High Commission.
Monguno spoke shortly after attending a meeting of the security chiefs with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House on Monday. He said the alert created a fake sense of insecurity.
The meeting with President Buhari was consequent upon the travel advisories issued by the two foreign missions in Nigeria and others. The alert had created tension with many businesses shutting down Among businesses that shut down include the popular Jabi Mall, Julius Berger construction company while many schools were forced to shut down for days. Some of the schools are yet to resume.
He spoke with reporters at the State House after the meeting in company with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
Others at the emergency National Security Council meeting included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
Others were the Minister of Defense, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd); Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, led the service chiefs, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao to the meeting; and the Chief of Defense Intelligence, Major-General Samuel Adebayo, were also in attendance.
The US Embassy in Abuja had stated in its security advisory: “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.
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“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.
“In the usual traditional alignment, the British High Commission, in a short statement, announced that: “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”.
Julius Berger, in its own letter to staff through a circular, titled Security Advisory read: In response to ongoing security concerns within the FCT and Central Abuja, it is advised to avoid all public events, within the FCT, environment including supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs, and other areas where many may meet. This advice is applicable from Friday 28.10.2022 in the evening until Monday 31.10.2022 in the morning.
It remains possible to move to other JBN work or residential locations throughout the weekend.
Your security is our primary concern.
JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC
The advisory was signed by the Managing Director and Corporate Security Manager.