IRAN CONFLICT: FG DISAGREES WITH U.S OVER ABUJA SECURITY WARNING

The Federal Government has dismissed a security warning issued by the United States Mission Nigeria, urging its citizens to avoid government and military establishments. The US Mission Nigeria said its Embassy employees and their families are prohibited from non-official travels to a Nigerian military site or other government venues in Abuja. The US stated that the warning was due to increased security concerns arising from current global developments. The warning is extension of a worldwide caution issued by the US State Department for Americans, saying the conflict in the Middle East could put those traveling or living abroad at an increased security risk. However, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, MOHAMMED IDRIS, maintained that Abuja remained safe for citizens and visitors. IDRIS said that the Federal Government recognizes and respects the right of foreign missions, including the U.S. Embassy, to issue travel advisories to their citizens. He assured that Nigeria’s security agencies are working round the clock to ensure the continued safety and protection of all residents of the FCT and across the country. The Minister maintained that the current security architecture in Abuja has not only been proactive but has also recorded significant successes in detecting, preventing, and neutralizing threats.