The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a security alert to its citizens staying in the country following the ongoing Ramadan season.
The alert which was contained in a statement signed by Stephen P. Brunette, Executive Director of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) urged its citizens to take extra precautions for their personal security in this period.
According to Daily Independent, the statement is however, believed to issued following the July 25 bombing that rocked Emab Plaza in Wuse II area of Abuja.
The US mission claimed that insurgents attacks usually takes place on weekends associated with holidays.
Below is an excerpt from the alert:
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“Following the June 25 bombing in the Wuse II neighbourhood of Abuja, the Government of Nigeria has increased security measures in Abuja. This weekend also marks the commencement of the month of Ramadan. Given the history of bombing attacks on weekends (some associated with holidays), as well as the recent bombing at Emab Plaza in Wuse II, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria urges all U.S. citizens living and travelling in Nigeria to take extra precautions for your personal security and safety. The U.S. Mission urges against non-essential travel to or within Abuja during the upcoming weekend. The U.S. Mission advises all U.S. citizens to be particularly vigilant around churches and other places of worship, locations where large crowds may gather, government facilities, and areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers during the upcoming weekend. Security measures in Nigeria remain heightened due to threats posed by extremist groups, and U.S. citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout the country. We recommend that U.S. citizens travelling to or residing in Nigeria enrol in the Department of State’s Smart Travellers Enrolment Program (STEP). STEP enrolment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, enrol directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Regularly monitor the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Nigeria, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. “Read the Country Specific Information for Nigeria. For additional information; refer to the “Traveller’s Checklist”.Read more
Sources: Daily Independent, Naij.com news
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