The Department of State Services has sued for calm following the alarm raised by the US embassy in Nigeria about planned attacks by terrorists in some parts of Nigeria.
Recall that the embassy had yesterday issued an advisory to its citizens on terrorists’ plan to carry out attacks in Abuja and some other places in Nigeria.
The US alert stated: “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 US Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice.”
The embassy advised US citizens to avoid all non-essential travels or movements and crowded places.
It also Americans to review their personal security plans and keep their cell phones charged in case of emergency.
Similarly, the British High Commission in a short statement announced: 1 “On Monday 24 October, British High Commission Abuja (BHC) will be open for Business Critical staff only. ALL colleagues wishing to travel to BHC should seek authorisation from Line Manager/ Block Leads, and in advance of travel.
2. On Monday 24 October, BHC Abuja UKB parents are advised strongly not to send children to schools.
3. More detail will follow later today from DHC Gill Atkinson”
Consequently, spokesman for the DSS, called for calm, saying necessary precautions were being taken to secure the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of Nigeria.
“The Department of State Services has received several enquiries relating to the security advisory issued by the US Embassy in Abuja, today, 23/10/22. The public may recall that the Service had variously issued similar warnings in the past.
“While advising that necessary precautions are taken by all and sundry, the populace is enjoined to remain alert and assist security agencies with useful information regarding threats and suspicious criminal acts around them. Meanwhile, the Service calls for calm as it works with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to maintain peace and order in and beyond Abuja,” spokesman for the agency, Mr. Peter Afunanya said in a statement late Sunday.
