Tobias Sylvester
The governments of Germany, Bulgaria, and Denmark have joined the list of foreign missions that issued a security alert on the elevated risk of terror attacks in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
More Foreign Missions Raise Security Alarm In Nigeria
KanyiDaily recalls that the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland have warned their citizens to avoid non-essential trips to Abuja over possible terrorist attacks.
The embassies of Denmark, Bulgaria, Finland, and Germany in Abuja have issued similar alerts and asked their citizens to consider leaving Nigeria.
The embassies listed targets to include schools, government buildings, hotels, markets, shopping malls, bars, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, restaurants, places of worship and international organisations.
Germany
The German Foreign Office, in its latest travel advice, cautioned its nationals against non-essential travel to Abuja at present.
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.
The government also urged its nationals not to travel to certain areas of Nigeria, except where necessary.
Bulgaria
A travel advisory on the website of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “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.”
Denmark
Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on its website, said Nigeria is experiencing unrest 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 ministry also advised its nationals against all travel 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.
Finland
Finland, quoting the US and UK warning about the possibility of a terrorist attack in Nigeria, especially in Abuja, noted that Nigeria’s security authorities have called for calm and more caution than usual.
It urged its citizens to take extra care than usual and avoid moving in the dark at all costs.
“The upcoming elections in 2023 can also cause movement and crowds should definitely be avoided. Social unrest is the most likely security risk in Nigeria,” it said.
Citing the October 2020 #EndSARS protest, it noted that Nigeria saw widespread social unrest which “has calmed down so far, but there is still reason for special vigilance. As the 2023 elections approach, social unrest is likely to increase.”
Austria
Austria issued a partial travel warning to its citizens; recommending “extreme caution” in both Abuja and other cities.
“There is currently a terror warning for the capital Abuja. The risk of attacks on state and public institutions and heavily frequented places such as shopping centres has increased significantly,” it said.
Hungary
The Hungarian government also advised its citizens not to visit Nigeria.
It cited the US alert of Sunday, noting that possible targets include, but are not limited to, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, sports facilities, transport terminals, police facilities and international organizations.
KanyiDaily recalls that on Thursday, one of the biggest malls in Abuja, Jale Lake Mall shut down operations indefinitely, citing safety concerns.
