The governments of the Britain and the United States of America have raised alarm about plans by terrorist groups to attack the Nigerian capital during the yuletide warning their nationals planning to visit or residing in the city.
The British’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, FCO, on its website wrote, “The risk of terrorist attack increases around religious festivals; so (the threat alert) will be elevated in the run-up to and throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
“Terrorist groups have threatened to conduct bombings and attacks in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja ) area during this period.
“You (British nationals) should avoid places where crowds gather, including religious gatherings and places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs and camps for displaced people.
In a similar vein, United States Embassy in Nigeria issued a similar warning last week entitled, “Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Holiday Security Reminder.”
“The US Mission urges all US citizens to exercise caution in and around shopping centres, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, and other places where crowds gather in and around the Federal Capital Territory, from now through the Christmas and New Year ’s holiday season.
“Terrorist groups have threatened to conduct bombings and attacks in this area during this period. “The US Mission remains concerned about potential attacks in the states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe. Travellers are urged to avoid those states through the end of the year.
“Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”
About 117,000 British citizens visit Nigeria each year according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
