The U.S. government has ordered its staff members at its Embassy in Abuja to evacuate over fear of “heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Abuja.
According to a statement on its official website, the embassy granted “authorized departure status to embassy Abuja, which permits the voluntary departure of family members and certain employees.
Activities will continue at the embassy but will be limited, and visa applicants are advised to monitor their emails for updates.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos continues to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
The government advised its staff to “have a personal emergency action plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance, take advantage of commercial transportation options if you wish to depart Nigeria, monitor local media for breaking news on the security situation, be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.”
The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos will continue normal operations, including routine visa operations.
Lagos applicants are encouraged to monitor email and text messages for information on scheduled appointments and passport pick-up.
The government’s decision to evacuate its members followed an earlier warning on Monday.
U.S. government said, “there is an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja.
The statement said the terrorists might attack government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organizations.
Employees and U.S. citizens were advised to avoid all non-essential travel or movement, stay alert, avoid crowds, review their personal security plans, keep their cell phones charged in an emergency, and carry proper identification.
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