More foreign missions have cautioned their citizens against non-essential travels to the Nigeria’s capital over risk of possible terror attacks.
Germany, Bulgaria, Ireland and Denmark are the latest countries to join the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to issue travel advisories to their citizens of an increased threat of terrorist attacks particularly in Abuja.
Persecondnews reports that separate security advisories warning of an elevated risk of terror attacks in Abuja were earlier issued by the US and the UK, which had been condemned and dismissed by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed.
Mohammed claimed that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is safe, adding that the the military and other security agencies were up to the task of protecting Nigerians and non-citizens.
The embassies had listed targets of attacks to include schools, government buildings, hotels, markets, shopping malls, bars, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, restaurants, places of worship and international organisations.
A travel advisory on the website of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reads: “We recommend that Bulgarian citizens residing short-term or long-term on the territory of Nigeria, and especially in the capital, limit only to urgent cases, refrain from visiting public events and avoid the clusters of people around government institutions, markets, shopping centres and entertainment complexes.”
Also, Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on its website, said Nigeria is experiencing unrests in several parts of the country, and that there are currently reports of an increased risk of terrorist attacks, particularly in Abuja.
It, therefore, urged its citizens to exercise caution, especially in and around Abuja.
“The risks are so serious that you should have special reasons for visiting the area/country,” Denmark added.
The country also advised its nationals against all travels to the states of Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Abia, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross River.
On its part, Ireland encouraged its citizens in the FCT to register their presence with the embassy.
“All citizens present in Abuja are encouraged to register their presence with the Embassy of Ireland”, it announced.
Like the others, it stated that targets could include government buildings, shopping malls, hotels, bars, large gatherings, international organisations, transport facilities, schools, markets, places of worship and law enforcement institutions, among others.
In a travel advisory on its website dated October 27, the German Government urged its citizens to limit journeys within Abuja to the absolute minimum, avoid crowds and busy public places, and be extra vigilant and prudent.
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