The United States Embassy in Nigeria has warned of a possible terrorist threat targeting US facilities and US-affiliated schools in the country.
In a security notice issued via its website on Monday, the embassy said the alert was intended to inform American citizens in Nigeria of potential risks and advised them to take additional precautions when visiting U.S. diplomatic missions and affiliated institutions.
According to the notice, U.S. citizens should exercise increased vigilance when travelling to its offices in Abuja and Lagos, as well as schools affiliated with the United States.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens of a possible terrorist threat against U.S. facilities and U.S. affiliated schools in Nigeria.
“The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens take additional precautions when traveling to the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, and U.S. affiliated schools, to include varying times and routes,” the statement read.
The embassy advised American nationals to vary their travel times and routes, avoid predictable routines, and ensure their mobile phones are charged in case of emergencies.
“Be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, review your personal security plans, vary your regular routes, keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency, stay alert in public places, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and familiarize yourself with emergency exits when entering buildings,” it said.
The embassy did not spell out the source of the threat.
The warning in Nigeria also comes amid a global security warning by the United States after Washington and Israel attacked Iran, which has responded with missile and drone attacks against its U.S.-aligned neighbours.
It also follows protests in Lagos and some northern states by members of the South-West leadership of the Islamic Movement, who denounced the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the United States and Israel.
The development comes as Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, wife of Iran’s Supreme Leader, reportedly died from injuries sustained during recent United States and Israeli strikes at her residence in Tehran.
Recall that President Donald Trump on Christmas Day ordered U.S. bombings of Nigeria, saying he was targeting jihadists.
The attack came after Trump complained that Christians were facing persecution in Africa’s most populous nation, an assessment that is contested in a country that has seen widespread violence against both Christians and Muslims.
