Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, has said that the Federal Government of Nigeria won’t be stampeded by the terror advisories released by the United States and the United Kingdom as well as the decision of any government to tell its citizens living in Abuja and parts of the country to return home.
Speaking on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister declared that the US acts within her rights to advise her citizens to go home but Nigeria won’t be stampeded by such warnings or action.
Mohammed noted that the Nigerian government had in the last few months beefed up security and urged citizens to avoid liking or sharing materials that could incite panic.
Last Sunday, The United States and Britain had alerted of imminent terror attacks in Abuja, especially at government buildings, places of worship, schools and other centres where large crowds gather.
On Tuesday, The US Department of States Services urged US citizens and Embassy staff in Abuja, Nigeria, to leave citing imminent terrorist attacks.
The Department also advised them to “keep a low profile” and “take advantage of commercial transportation options” if they wish to depart Nigeria.
The advisory read: “On October 25, 2022, the Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
“The U.S. Embassy Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.”
The US Department also advised American citizens who are out of Nigeria to “reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime” as some areas have increased risk.