The US has advised family members of its employees who live in Abuja to evacuate due to the threat of terrorism there.
The most recent travel advice released by the US Consulate in Nigeria contains this information.
At least nine foreign missions alerted authorities that Abuja was the target of assaults after the first such warning was issued on Sunday.
The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Denmark, Bulgaria, India, and Germany are among the countries that have issued an alert.
The capital of Nigeria is secure, the Federal Government has told Nigerians.
Despite this, there have been unsubstantiated rumours of a large exodus of foreigners from the nation.
On Thursday, one of the biggest malls in Abuja shut down indefinitely, citing safety concerns.
In an update to the alert which said the US mission was ready to evacuate its citizens from Nigeria over terror fear, the embassy asked employees’ family members to leave Abuja.
“The Travel Advisory for Nigeria has been updated due to a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Abuja. We recommend U.S. citizens do not travel to Abuja at this time. In addition, on October 27, 2022, the Department ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees from Abuja due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks, following the October 25 authorization of departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks,” read a notice on the US embassy website.
“U.S. citizens should consider departing Abuja using available commercial options. U.S. citizens who wish to depart but are unable to secure commercial options to do so can contact the U.S. Consulate in Lagos at LagosFM@state.gov for assistance.
“The U.S. Embassy Abuja is only able to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Abuja. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. U.S. Citizens in Nigeria who require assistance should contact LagosACS@state.gov or +234 1 460 3410.”