Nigerian Govt Blasts US Security Advisory, Claims Abuja Remains Safe
The Nigerian government has dismissed the security advisory issued by the United States Embassy in Abuja, saying that the Federal Capital Territory remains safe for residents, visitors, and diplomats alike.
The reassurance was delivered on Monday through a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following the U.S. Embassy’s decision to restrict non-official movements of its staff and their families to government and military facilities within Abuja.
Naija News House earlier reported that the United States Mission in Nigeria issued a heightened security advisory warning its employees and American citizens to avoid “non-official” visits to Nigerian military bases and government facilities, citing increased global security concerns.
The alert, published on the U.S. Mission’s official website on Sunday, comes on the heels of a deadly Boko Haram suicide bombing that killed over 20 people in Borno State and escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran, including recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The Mission urged all American citizens in Nigeria to exercise heightened vigilance, particularly in public spaces and venues frequented by Westerners, expatriates, and government officials.
The warning follows a deadly attack in northeastern Nigeria, where a Boko Haram suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in a crowded area, killing at least 23 people and injuring dozens more.
But in the statement, the minister acknowledged the right of foreign missions to issue advisories to their nationals but emphasised that there was no imminent or specific threat to justify panic.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken note of the latest security advisory issued by the Embassy of the United States, restricting its staff and their families from non-official travel to military sites or other government facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja,” Idris said.
He added, “While the Federal Government recognizes and respects the right of foreign missions, including the U.S. Embassy, to issue travel advisories to their citizens, it is important to state categorically that Abuja remains safe for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.”
He highlighted the proactive efforts of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies, stating that they have recorded “significant successes in detecting, preventing, and neutralising threats.”
The U.S. advisory, according to Idris, appears to be informed by broader global concerns rather than any local intelligence or verified threat within the capital city.
“Nigeria’s security agencies are working around the clock to ensure the continued safety and protection of all residents of the FCT and across the country.
“The current security architecture in Abuja has not only been proactive but has also recorded significant successes in detecting, preventing, and neutralizing threats.
“We understand that the U.S. advisory is based on general global developments and does not reflect any imminent or specific threat within the FCT. However, we reiterate to all diplomatic missions, investors, development partners, and the general public that there is no cause for alarm.”
The government further reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of all individuals in the capital and across the country.
The minister urged citizens to go about their lawful activities without fear but to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.
Idris said, “The Federal Government wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the safety of all residents and to maintaining Abuja’s reputation as one of the most secure capitals in the world.
“Our security and intelligence agencies are monitoring developments across the country and are fully prepared to respond decisively to any threat.
“We encourage citizens to conduct their lawful activities without fear, while also remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.”
Abuja has frequently been the subject of travel advisories from foreign missions in the past, often sparking public concerns.
