There is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria – U.S. Embassy
The Federal Government has opposed terror alerts of a possible attack on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja by some foreign embassies. According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the safety and security of Abuja and others parts of Nigeria as well as their residents are guaranteed. He expressed discontent at the concerned foreign embassies for allegedly issuing an unverified terror warning on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, posting clickbait, and causing panic in the country. Alhaji Mohammed, made this assertion at a ministerial session of the on-going UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Week in Abuja. The Minister stressed that if, indeed, such security alert was necessary; it was for the attention of citizens of the issuing countries in Nigeria and not for the Nigerian public. Alhaji Mohammed also berated the media for being complicit in the spread of a misrepresentation. He said, “Suddenly, this alert found its way into the media, both new and traditional, thus, creating panic in the polity.
Schools were shut. Businesses were closed. Travel plans were altered. Lives were disrupted. No one cared to find out about the authenticity of these alerts. They just published, got the benefit of massive click bait, and damned the consequences. “Well, I can assure all that our military and other security agencies have continued to do everything possible to secure and protect Nigerians and foreigners living in Nigeria. Terrorists have been hard hit and put on the run. Bandits have been decimated and scattered. “Our country is safer today than at any time in recent times, thanks to the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. “We do not discountenance the fact that terrorists, bandits and their kind would always want to do whatever it takes to disrupt our nation’s peace, security and stability. “But our security forces have been proactive. Nigerians, too, should continue to be alert, but must not panic. Like I said in a recent statement, as far as insecurity is concerned, the worst is over for Nigeria.” The minister was a panelist at the UNESCO session, with the topic, “National Media and Information Literacy Frameworks, Sustaining Beyond Disinformation.” The session, moderated by a Tunisian, Dr Tawfik Jelassi, the Assistant Director-General, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO, had as panel discussants, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami; Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu; and UK Minister of Technology and Digital Economy, Damian Collins, who participated virtually. The Minister’s stance is contrary to the earlier federal government ‘s assurance. Its top Military and Para-military organizations in the country on Sunday night disclosed that intelligence and other relevant operatives tasked with checkmating the activities of terrorists were at alert to thwart any plot to attack any part of the FCT. It would be recalled that the United States and Britain on Sunday warned of a possible terrorist attack in Nigeria’s federal capital Abuja, especially aimed at government buildings, places of worship and schools, markets.
Shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities among other targets. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria said “there is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically Abuja” and added that shopping malls, law enforcement facilities and international organisations were among places at risk. “The U.S. Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice,” the embassy said in an alert to its citizens in Nigeria. The United Kingdom government warned that its citizens in Nigeria should stay 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. In response, Nigeria’s security agency, the Department of State Services (DSS) advised “that necessary precautions are taken by all.”
