Boko Haram terrorists
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday authorised the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families from Nigeria due to a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in the country.
Reuters reports that the latest travel update comes after the United States and the United Kingdom warned on Sunday of a possible terrorist attack in the capital Abuja, especially aimed at government buildings, places of worship and schools, among other targets.
“The U.S. Embassy Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria,” the State Department said.
Political Economist NG reports that the UK government may issue similar advice to its non-critical staff and families.
Since the terror alert was issued, some schools in Abuja had shutdown while corporates have beefed up security around their offices.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has however issued a statement urging shut schools to reopen as the security is keep watch over the situation.
Nigeria’s Department of State Services, DSS, said the United States had previously issued similar warnings and urged citizens to remain alert.
Insecurity, which is rife across most Nigerian states, is a major issue among voters who will choose a new president next February.
