Nigerians have reacted to the United States Mission in Nigeria’s statement warning its citizens to avoid military and government facilities in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
The United States Embassy in Nigeria issued a security advisory warning on Sunday, advising its citizens to avoid military and government facilities in Abuja, citing increased global security threats.
The directive, which came late Monday, prohibits U.S. embassy staff and their families from making any non-official visits to such locations within the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement published on its official website, the U.S. Mission Nigeria noted that the measure was necessary due to evolving global developments.
“Due to increased security concerns arising from current global developments, U.S. Mission Nigeria informs U.S. citizens that all U.S Embassy employees and their families are prohibited from non-official travel to a Nigerian military site or other government venue in Abuja at this time,” the advisory read.
The warning has triggered mixed reactions across Nigeria, particularly on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Following a post by Channels Television reporting the development, several Nigerians expressed varying emotions ranging from disbelief to concern.
While some users questioned the authenticity and intent of the advisory, others feared that it could signal a potential security threat or terrorist activity. A number of Nigerians expressed panic over the possibility of unrest in the capital, while others dismissed the advisory entirely, either suggesting it was exaggerated or simply not relevant to the general public.
In an X post from @ emmaerudite he said, “I don’t understand, the US govt is the one advising us. This is strange.”
Also, @fredham08682312 is so confused that he had to ask the common X AI to help as he posted “@grok explain this”
Seems confused, @Taiabati2021 posted that “sey coup wan happen ni?”
For @R_estateLektura asked that “Is it aso rock this time, God save us oo”
@Destiny Uzoma spilled that “This one no really concern me”
@RubenTega twitted, “Abeg make nothing happen to the price of garri o”
Speaking furiously @Zikhum_tech said “Channels don Colo”
While enlightening other commentators @ Salib0ss said that, “ They are warning there own US citizens and ambassadors in Nigeria not we Nigerians. Nigeria government is not in support of US and Israel Aggression.”
This development adds to ongoing concerns about security in parts of Nigeria, with authorities yet to issue an official response or comment on the U.S. advisory.
Abuja is safe
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government have responded to the U.S security alert.
Reacting, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said there was no security threat in the federal capital territory.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken note of the latest security advisory issued by the Embassy of the United States, restricting its staff and their families from non-official travel to military sites or other government facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
“While the Federal Government recognises and respects the right of foreign missions, including the U.S. Embassy, to issue travel advisories to their citizens, it is important to state categorically that Abuja remains safe for citizens, residents, and visitors alike,” he said.
