It explained, “There is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja. Targets may include, but are not limited to, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organisations. The US Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice.”
The embassy advised US citizens to avoid all non-essential travels or movements and crowded places. It advised Americans to review their personal security plans and keep their cell phones charged in case of emergency.
Based on the threat analysis and increased risk levels, most schools in Abuja moved to err on the side of caution. In one of the mails sent to parents, the authorities of a school said their campus would be closed temporarily. Proffering online classes as an alternative, they noted that it was only appropriate they take additional precautions.
The latest alert followed an intelligence report in September about possible attacks on military facilities in Nigeria. One of the targets was the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia, which houses the country’s second largest ammunition dump, after Ikeja Cantonment.
The report had said the terrorists planned to mop up enough firepower to stage a takeover of Abuja.
When THISDAY contacted a senior official of the Defence Intelligence Agency, Abuja, he said the needful was being done to avert any attacks on citizens and institutions.
In July, terrorists fatally ambushed soldiers of an elite unit of the Nigerian Army in Abuja, 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army Presidential Guards Brigade, and killed eight soldiers, including two officers at the Bwari Area Council.
