The United States Embassy in Abuja has alerted its personnel of a possible terror attack in the nation’s capital.
In a security alert email, the embassy warned that government buildings, places of worship, markets, law enforcement offices, and other densely populated spots might be hit in the attacks.
The embassy also said it would reduce its services until further notice.
“Event: There is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja. Targets may include but are not limited to, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organisations.
The U.S. Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice,” the email read.
The embassy further advised its staff members to avoid non-essential travel and crowded gatherings and to carry proper identification.
”Avoid all non-essential travel or movement. Stay alert. Avoid crowds. Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in an emergency. Carry proper identification,” the email further read.
The police headquarters and the State Security Service did not immediately return requests seeking comments about the fears raised by the U.S. authorities.
The warning comes months after the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) issued a similar warning about budding terror attacks said to be linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The FCT witnessed repeated attacks from terrorist groups in July. It began with a prison break at the Kuje facility of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) and, after that, an attack near a law school in Bwari that left about a dozen members of the elite presidential guards brigade killed.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s has continued to express his intention to decisively address insecurity, but after several years of unremarkable results, questions are being raised that threats to lives and property might be escalating across the country.
