Following intelligence reports of terror threats in the Federal Capital Territory, the United States (US) government has moved non-emergency staff of its embassy and their family members from Abuja.
According to the US Department of State, the authorised departure was due to heightened risk of terror attacks in parts of Nigeria, particularly Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“On October 25, 2022, the Department authorised the departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks,” the travel advisory said.
“The US Embassy Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to US citizens in Nigeria. The US Consulate in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to US citizens in Nigeria.”
US citizens were urged to reconsider travel plans to Nigeria due to “crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime”.
The British High Commission also warned that terrorists might launch indiscriminate attacks in Abuja in the coming days.
“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect western interests, as well as places visited by tourists,” the UK said in a travel advisory posted on its website.
Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) were identified as the likely perpetrators of the terror attacks.
