By Emmanuel Nduka and Enyichukwu Enemanna
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has called for calm following a security threat advisory issued to its citizens living in Nigeria.
The United States embassy in Nigeria had in the travel advise to its citizens in Nigeria, warned that they should avoid “non-essential” movements to Abuja the nation’s capital over terror scare.
The embassy in a statement on Sunday listed as possible places of terror attack to include, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and more.
“There is elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja,” the travel advise sighted by The Heritage Times read.
“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,” it added.
The Embassy consequently announced that it will offer reduced services until further notice.
It further advised citizens to stay alert; avoid crowds; review personal security plans; keep their cell phone charged in case of emergency; as well as carry proper identification.
Reacting in a statement in the early hours of Monday, October 24, the DSS said it was already on top of the matter.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has received several enquiries relating to the security advisory issued by the US Embassy in Abuja, today, 23/10/22. The public may recall that the Service had variously issued similar warnings in the past.
“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. Meanwhile, the Service calls for calm as it works with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to maintain peace and order in and beyond Abuja,” the statement by Peter Afunanya, DSS Public Relations Officer read.
Heritage Times HT recalls that the not-too-long-ago jailbreak at Kuje Custodial Centre in which hundreds of convicted and awaiting trial inmates, including Boko Haram members were freed, heightened security tensions in the nation’s capital.
While the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP claimed responsibility for the attack, the attack was described by many security experts as one of the most daring in history.
