The Nigerian Government has rejected a recent security advisory from the United States Embassy in Abuja, maintaining that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remains secure for both its residents and foreign visitors, including diplomats.
This assurance was conveyed yesterday via a statement from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
His remarks came after the U.S. Embassy decided to limit unofficial movements of its personnel and their families within Abuja to only Government and military sites.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria had earlier released a security alert, urging its staff and American nationals to avoid non-official visits to Nigerian military installations and government buildings. The advisory cited rising global security threats as the reason for the restrictions.
The alert, which appeared on the U.S. Mission’s website on Sunday, followed a deadly suicide bombing by Boko Haram in Borno State that claimed more than 20 lives. It also referenced the intensifying military hostilities between Israel and Iran, alongside recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear assets.
In the advisory, U.S. citizens in Nigeria were advised to stay extra cautious, especially when visiting public locations commonly frequented by Westerners, expatriates, and government personnel. This came in response to a recent incident in northeastern Nigeria, where a Boko Haram suicide attacker detonated explosives in a crowded area, resulting in at least 23 deaths and numerous injuries.
Responding to the advisory, the minister stated that while foreign embassies have the right to issue such warnings to their citizens, there is no current or specific threat to warrant fear or panic.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken note of the latest security advisory issued by the Embassy of the United States, restricting its staff and their families from non-official travel to military sites or other government facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja,” said Idris.
He further added, “While the Federal Government recognizes and respects the right of foreign missions, including the U.S. Embassy, to issue travel advisories to their citizens, it is important to state categorically that Abuja remains safe for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.”
Idris underscored the ongoing efforts of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies, noting they have achieved “significant successes in detecting, preventing, and neutralizing threats.”
