Abuja safe, no cause for alarm, FG assures amid U.S. travel warning
* Armed Forces, others will continue to make Nigeria secure, says Defence Headquarters
• CDS: Hunger, poverty now major threats to nation’s security
• IGP rejects calls for citizens to bear arms, advocates dialogue, tolerance
The Federal Government has assured citizens, residents, and visitors of Abuja’s safety, addressing concerns raised by a recent U.S. Embassy security advisory restricting non-official travel by its staff and families to military and government facilities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris acknowledged the advisory in a statement yesterday but emphasised that Abuja remains safe.
“While the Federal Government recognises 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,” he said.
Idris highlighted the proactive measures undertaken by Nigeria’s security agencies to ensure the safety of the FCT. “The current security architecture in Abuja has not only been proactive but has also recorded significant successes in detecting, preventing, and neutralising threats,” he noted.
“Our security and intelligence agencies are
monitoring developments across the country and are fully prepared to respond decisively to any threat,” he assured, encouraging the public to report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
Also, in a phone chat with The Guardian, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), through its spokesperson, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said: “The Armed Forces, along with other security agencies, will continue to make Abuja and other parts of Nigeria safe.”
The United States mission in Nigeria issued the security advisory on Sunday, following heightened security concerns attributed to recent global developments. It urged American nationals residing or travelling in Nigeria to exercise increased caution.
The advisory stated that all U.S. embassy employees and their families are prohibited from visiting military sites or government venues in Abuja except on official business.
The mission emphasised the importance of vigilance in public spaces, particularly in areas frequented by Westerners, expatriates, and government officials. “Stay alert in public places and be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid large gatherings and limit unnecessary travel,” the statement read.
It also advised U.S. citizens to “vary daily routines to reduce predictability” and “familiarise oneself with emergency exits in buildings” while reviewing and updating personal security plans.
Despite these restrictions, the Consular Sections of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos remain open to provide assistance.
The advisory urged U.S. citizens to monitor updates on the mission’s official website and enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (STEP) for timely security notifications.
(The Guardian)
