TERROR ALERT: US approves exit of citizens, Embassy staff from Nigeria – Report
*All these hyped panic alert by America unnecessary – Nigerians
Some respondents, reacting to report of the exit plan approval on Wednesday, said the role America has decided to play about security of Nigeria lately, apart from the fact that it is more revealing of where the problem of the country comes from, is unnecessary.
The United States Department of State has granted “authorized departure status” to American citizens and Embassy staff in Abuja over imminent terrorist attacks in Nigeria’s political capital, Nigeria-based Channels Television reported on Wednesday.
The DEFENDER reports that although Nigerian government has continued to insist that there is no cause to panic over the US Embassy security alert with some concerned citizens asking authorities in the country to watch the US advisory well as, according to them, it is suspicious at a time Nigeria is enjoying relative peace from terrorism disturbances, America still went ahead intensifying its panic alert on Wednesday when, according to Nigeria’s own private television, Channels TV via its website, it approved evacuation plan for its citizens from a nation not at war.
The attitude of America in the wake of its role in Ukrainian war and the attendant hardship it has imposed on many countries of the world is further justifying some Nigerians’ reason to reason with Russia, whose President Vladimir Putin says he plans not to be leader of the world but to let the world be free without imperialistic behaviour that America-led West inflicts on many countries globally.
Some respondents, reacting to report of the exit plan approval on Wednesday, said the role America has decided to play about security of Nigeria lately, apart from the fact that it is more revealing of where the problem of the country comes from, is unnecessary.
In a notice on Tuesday evening, the US Department of States pledged to provide routine and emergency services to US citizens in Nigeria.
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.
The Department of States Services also urged residents of Abuja and Nigerians in general to remain calm, saying the security agencies are right on top of the situation.
“While advising that necessary precautions are taken by all and sundry, the populace is enjoined to remain alert and assist security agencies with useful information regarding threats and suspicious criminal acts around them,” a DSS statement partly read.
Also, the Nigeria Police Force in a statement said, “As part of its security strategy, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered all 36 states Commissioners of Police, including that of the FCT, and the head of police tactical squads, to re-strategise the security management within their jurisdictions.
“He also has announced a counter-terrorism incident simulation exercise which will take place in the nation’s capital, tagged, “Operation Darkin Gaggawa.”
