The United States Department of State has pledged to provide routine and emergency services to US citizens in Nigeria following heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
In a notice on Tuesday evening, the US Department of States says it has granted “authorized departure status” to American citizens and Embassy staff in Abuja.
It advised them to “keep a low profile” and “take advantage of commercial transportation options” if they wish to depart Nigeria.
“On October 25, 2022, the Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
“The U.S. Embassy Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.
“The U.S. Consulate in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria,” the advisory read.
The Department further urged American citizens who are out of Nigeria to “reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime” as some areas have increased risk.
The US and Britain had on Sunday warned of possible terror attacks in Abuja, especially at government buildings, places of worship, schools and other centres where large crowds gather.
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed reportedly dismissed the terror alerts by the United Kingdom and the US, saying Nigeria is more safer than in May 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari came into office.
