Terrorists planning to strike in Abuja, US, UK raise the alarm

The United States embassy in Nigeria has warned Americans in the country to be cautious of their movement in response to elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja.

In a security alert issued on Sunday, the US advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel or movement, stay alert and avoid crowds.

The statement read, “There is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja. Targets may include, but are not limited to, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organisations.

“The U.S. Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice. Actions to Take: Avoid all non-essential travel or movement. Stay alert. Avoid crowds.

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

Similarly, the United Kingdom, on Sunday, updated its terrorism alert to citizens in Nigeria.

The UK warned of an increased threat of terrorist attack in the federal capital territory.

UK citizens were admonished to stay alert, “consider movements carefully, follow the local news and the advice of security authorities.”

The foreign travel advisory cautioned against visits to markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, football viewing centres, displacement camps, transport terminals (including train networks), government buildings — and schools.

Recall that there was tension in Abuja months ago when terrorists overran the Kuje Correctional Centre and set free 800 inmates, including all the Boko Haram suspects in detention.

After that, troops of the Presidential Guards Brigade were killed in an ambush within the nation’s capital.

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, had ordered a beef up of security in the Federal Capital Territory in order to fortify the nation’s capital against terrorists.