The US government has authorized the departure of its non-emergency staff and their families from Nigeria due to an increased risk of terror attacks.
It announced the approval in its updated Nigeria travel advisory on Tuesday evening.
The advisory read: “On October 25, 2022, the Department authorised the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
“The U.S. Embassy Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.
“The U.S. Consulate in Lagos is providing all routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.”
A Level 3 rating for Nigeria was also mentioned in the advice, suggesting that people should think twice before visiting. Americans may want to postpone their travel plans, “due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime.”
Two days prior, the US Embassy warned about a potential terrorist attack in Abuja that was specifically targeted at government structures, houses of worship, transportation hubs, and schools, among other targets.
However, the Federal Government has downplayed the security alert, claiming that the nation is now safer than it was.
