By Chizoba Ogbeche Abuja
British and the United States governments have warned their citizens of terrorist groups’ threat to carry out bomb attacks in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and other states in the North during the yuletide. The warning was part of Britain’s latest foreign travel advice to its nationals through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, saying it would raise the terrorism threat alert in Nigeria during the festive periods. Specifically, it warned its citizens not to travel to Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe till the end of the year.
It said: “The risk of terrorist attack increases around religious festivals. So, the threat alert will be elevated in the run-up to and throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday period.” Th e statement posted on the FCO website, disclosed that: “Terrorist groups have threatened to conduct bombings and attacks in the FCT, Abuja area during this period.
“British nationals should avoid places where crowds gather, including religious gatherings and places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs and camps for displaced people,” the United Kingdom said in the statement. Also in a similar warning titled ‘Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Holiday Security Reminder’, the United States Embassy warned its citizens during the period. It read in part: “The US Mission urges all US citizens to exercise caution in and around shopping centres, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, and other places where crowds gather in and around the FCT from now through the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season.
“Terrorist groups have threatened to conduct bombings and attacks in this area during this period. The US Mission remains concerned about potential attacks in the states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe.
“Travellers are urged to avoid those states through the end of the year. Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”
