On Thursday, the United States ordered non-essential diplomatic personnel with their families to leave the Nigerian capital, Abuja, citing a “high risk of terrorist attacks”.
The US State Department did not elaborate on the threat, but warned in its briefing on Nigeria that “terrorists can strike without warning” targeting supermarkets, markets, hotels, restaurants, bars or schools.
The US embassy in Abuja on Sunday urged Americans to limit their travel, given the “high risk of terrorist attacks in Nigeria, especially Abuja”. This warning was also repeated by Great Britain, Canada and Australia.
Built in the 1980s, Abuja has historically been a safe city, but insurgents linked to the Islamic State group have claimed responsibility for several attacks in surrounding areas over the past six months.
Nigeria’s internal security agency urged residents to remain calm and take “necessary precautions” while police ordered counter-terrorism drills in the capital.
Residents of the Abuja district, including diplomats from Western countries, are concerned about security after the mass evasion of detainees from Kuje prison on the outskirts of Abuja in July.
