US Security Alert: Hours After FG Insisted Nigeria Is Safe, US Begins Evacuation Of Its Citizens

Hours after raising alarm over a possible terrorist attack on Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, the United States of America has authorized the evacuation of “non-emergency” employees and their family members in Nigeria.

The American government in an update on Tuesday, October 25 said the evacuation became necessary “due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.”

It said the terrorists may launch attacks with little or no warning.

The US government had on Sunday issued a security warning in which it claimed terrorists were planning attacks on facilities including government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations.

However, the US government has taken further steps to ensure the safety and security of its citizens by ordering the evacuation of some of them.

The updated statement reads in part; “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 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.”

Meanwhile, the federal government of Nigeria has responded to the warning by claiming the country is safer than it was before, urging citizens and residents not to entertain any fear.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed on Tuesday declared that the security situation in Nigeria is not as bad as some people are painting it to be.

He advanced that the country is safer in recent times while both the government and military authorities are not resting in their attempts to make things better.

The Minister also knocked the embassies of the United States and the United Kingdom for issuing security warnings about possible terrorist attacks on Abuja, the nation’s federal capital territory.

He said such unguarded statements are capable of disrupting the peace and tranquility of Nigeria and urged foreign countries to always seek clarification on such important national issues.