Security alert in Abuja to forestall attack by bandits

There was security alert last night in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This followed the issuance of travel advisories by the United States (U.S.) Embassy in Abuja and the United Kingdom to their citizens in Nigeria.

But the Department of State Service (DSS) called for calm.

In a statement, the U.S. and the UK warned of terror attacks, specifically in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

They said the targets in Abuja may include government buildings, places of worship, law enforcement facilities, and international organisations.

Others are schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, and transport terminals.

But the Department of States Services (DSS) said there was no cause for alarm as necessary precautions had been taken to protect lives and properties not only in the FCT but across the nation.

Diplomatic missions or embassies usually issue travel advice to their citizens on security situations in their host countries.

Nigeria is fighting an insurgency mainly in the northeast, but in July the Islamic State claimed responsibility for a raid on a prison in Abuja, which freed around 440 inmates, raising fears that insurgents were venturing from their enclaves

In its, alert, the U.S. embassy stated that because of the threats, it would offer reduced services until further notice.

It warned its citizens to avoid all non-essential travels or movements, crowds, and be on the alert always.

“Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency. Carry proper identification,” the embassy stated.

It also advised its citizens about how to get assistance when needed.

As recently as August 11 and 26, the U.S. issued an alert on heightened security measures in and around the FCT, which it claimed had resulted in increased reports of vehicle searches and traffic checkpoints.

It urged its citizens to remain respectful if stopped for a vehicle check.

“Do not force your way through security checkpoints. Carry proper identification. Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency,” it stated.

A diplomat in a chat with The Nation yesterday said security agencies would be mindful of the words, “elevated risk of terror attacks.’.

The envoy said it is a common practice by embassies to issue such advice to their citizens in their host countries.

The UK on its part   warned its citizens in Nigeria to stay on the alert due to an “increased threat of terrorist attack in Abuja.”

“Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect western interests, as well as places visited by tourists,” it said.

Nation