US, UK Warns Citizens Against Travelling Near Kuje Prison In Abuja, 19 Other States

The United Kingdom and the United States Embassy in Nigeria have warned its citizens against going to some places in the country following the recent attack at Kuje prison in Abuja.

US Issues Security Alert To Nationals In Nigeria

KanyiDaily had reported how gunmen attacked Kuje prison in Abuja on Tuesday night, freeing over 800 inmates including 64 detained Boko Haram insurgents.

In a statement on Wednesday, the US embassy asked its citizens in Nigeria to observe a “high state of security”, stressing that “crime is endemic throughout Nigeria” and it is expected to escalate,

The statement reads, “On the night of July 5, 2022, an attack on Kuje Prison freed a large portion of the estimated 1,000 prisoners. The prison lies approximately 27 miles southwest of the Central Business District.

“An increase in crime is expected in and around Abuja. It is recommended that U.S. citizens should maintain a high state of personal security awareness for the next two weeks and avoid unnecessary travel on the airport road.

“Crime is endemic throughout Nigeria and tends to spike after dark. Avoiding locations and situations that increase the likelihood of being victimized is the best defence. Avoid displays of valuables and limit nighttime activity.

“Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack –including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is focused on unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

“High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.), hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists, places of worship, schools, parks, shopping malls and markets and public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights).

“Actions to take: Be aware of your surroundings, Keep a low profile, carry proper identification, monitor local media for updates, review your personal security plans, always drive with your windows rolled up and the doors locked, and avoid large gatherings and protests, review alternative travel routes in case of unexpected protests or unrest, exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests, always keep the doors to your residence locked, even when at home.”

UK Causion Citizens In Nigeria

Similarly, the United Kingdom has advised its citizens in Nigeria against travelling to 19 states that have witnessed attacks in recent weeks.

“Be vigilant and take local advice on areas to avoid. Take particular care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds.

“You should be extra vigilant if attending upcoming sporting events, which are likely to have heightened security and large crowds of people,” the UK government warned its citizens.

According to the statement by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK citizens are to avoid travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

The FCDO added that only essential travel should be made to Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto, Kogi, within 20km of the border with Niger in Kebbi, Abia, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers, Plateau and Taraba, adding that citizens should be “extra vigilant if in the area”.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari had reacted to the Kuje Prison break, wondering how terrorists organized, attacked a security installation and got away with it.