The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured all diplomatic missions, investors, development partners, and the general public that Abuja remains safe and secure, despite a recent travel advisory issued by the United States Mission in Nigeria.
The US advisory, released Monday, warned American citizens and embassy staff to avoid all Nigerian military and government facilities in Abuja, citing “increased security concerns arising from current global developments.”
In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed any imminent threat within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear.
“While we recognize the rights of foreign missions to issue advisories to their nationals, we wish to categorically state that Abuja is safe for residents, visitors, and investors alike,” Idris said in an official statement.
He explained that Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies are “working round the clock” to ensure public safety, adding that the country’s security architecture has recorded “notable successes in detecting, preventing, and neutralizing threats.”
The minister stressed that the US Embassy’s restriction on non-official travel to government and military sites was not based on any specific or imminent threat, but rather on general global tensions, particularly in the Middle East.
“We reiterate to all diplomatic missions and stakeholders that there is no cause for alarm,” Idris said. “The government remains fully committed to keeping Abuja one of the most secure capital cities in the world.”
Meanwhile, the US State Department has also issued a “worldwide caution” for its citizens due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, warning of potential travel disruptions and anti-American demonstrations globally.
The Nigerian government urged the public to remain vigilant and security-conscious, encouraging the prompt reporting of any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
