Against the background of terrorists’ attack alerts in some states including Abuja, the Federal Government has urged Nigerians not to panic, but to be alert at all times.
The advice came in the wake of the US new Travel Advisory declaring 14 Nigerian states unsafe for travellers and its citizens.
The states are Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe in North-East; Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara in Northwest; Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states in South-South Region.
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The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, at a ministerial panel of the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Week, chided Nigerian media outlets and social media personalities for spreading the security alerts without verifying their authenticity.
Mohammed was a panelist at the UNESCO session with the topic, “National Media and Information Literacy Frameworks, Sustaining Beyond Disinformation’’ moderated by Dr Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO.
The minister said the warnings issued by the embassies are not the true position of the security situation in the country, and could create unnecessary tension and panic.
He also condemned the media outfits which fed on the unverified security alert to attract traffic to their site without considering the effects on the country.
Mohammed reiterated his position that the country “is safer today than at any time in recent times,’’ with the efforts and sacrifices of the military and other security agencies.
The minister said the security forces had been proactive and as far as insecurity is concerned, the worst is over for Nigeria.
“We do not discountenance the fact that terrorists, bandits and their kind would always want to do whatever it takes to disrupt our nation’s peace, security and stability.
“Well, I can assure all that our military and other security agencies have continued to do everything possible to secure and protect Nigerians and foreigners living in Nigeria.
“Terrorists have been hard hit and put on the run. Bandits have been decimated and scattered,’’ the minister said.
Leave Abuja- US orders employees
The observation is coming as the government of the United States of America (USA), has just released another statement it tagged “Nigeria Level 3.”
US, therefore, warned their citizens should not travel to due to what it calls: “crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime.”
The US State Department did not specify the threat, but its country summary for Nigeria warns that “terrorists may attack with little or no warning,” targeting malls, markets, hotels, restaurants, bars or schools.
It read, “The Travel Advisory for Nigeria has been updated due to a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Abuja.
“We recommend U.S. citizens do not travel to Abuja at this time.
“In addition, on October 27, 2022, the Department ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks, following on the October 25 authorization of departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members from Abuja due to heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
“U.S. citizens should consider departing Abuja using available commercial options. U.S. citizens who wish to depart but are unable to secure commercial options to do so can contact the U.S. Consulate in Lagos at LagosFM@state.gov for assistance.
“The U.S. Embassy Abuja is only able to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Abuja. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. U.S. Citizens in Nigeria who require assistance should contact LagosACS@state.gov or +234 1 460 3410.”
Australia warns citizens too
Australian government has also warned its citizens not to travel to Nigeria over flooding and insecurity that has ravaged some parts of the country.
The consulate said potential for terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest remained high throughout Nigeria.
This was made known on Wednesday in a travel advisory issued to Australians on the consulate’s website.
They alerted the citizens to research routes and get professional security advice and support before departing to Nigeria if there’s any need to be there.
The Australian government who gave a long list of states in the country they want their citizens to avoid, including Abuja and its surrounding areas due to terrorist attacks and kidnapping threats. Gave tips on what to do if, in the aforementioned states (locations).
The consulate, however, advised that its citizens should consider leaving immediately or get professional security advice as their travel policy might be void.
The statement reads; “There have been significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure caused by severe flooding. Essential services may be disrupted. Follow the advice of local authorities and check the media for updates.
“The potential for terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest remains high throughout Nigeria.
“Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall, including the capital Abuja and surrounding areas, due to high threats of terrorist attack and kidnapping, the volatile security situation, possible violent civil unrest and high levels of violent crime.
“Do not travel to Adamawa, Anambra, Akawa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross Rivers, Delta, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara States.”
